prelude

American  

[prel-yood, preyl-, prey-lood, pree-] / ˈprɛl yud, ˈpreɪl-, ˈpreɪ lud, ˈpri- /

noun

1. a preliminary to an action, event, condition, or work of broader scope and higher importance.

   Synonyms:

   beginning, opening, introduction

2. any action, event, comment, etc. that precedes something else.

3. Music.

   1. a relatively short, independent instrumental composition, free in form and resembling an improvisation.

   2. a piece that precedes a more important movement.

   3. the overture to an opera.

   4. an independent piece, of moderate length, sometimes used as an introduction to a fugue.

   5. music opening a church service; an introductory voluntary.

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verb (used with object)

preluded, preluding

1. to serve as a prelude or introduction to.

2. to introduce by a prelude.

3. to play as a prelude.

verb (used without object)

preluded, preluding

1. to serve as a prelude.

2. to give a prelude.

3. to play a prelude.

prelude British  

/ prɪˈljuːsərɪ, prɪˈljuːʒən, prɪˈljuːsɪv, ˈprɛljuːd, prɪˈljuːdə, ˈprɛljʊdə /

noun

1. 1. a piece of music that precedes a fugue, or forms the first movement of a suite, or an introduction to an act in an opera, etc

   2. (esp for piano) a self-contained piece of music

2. something serving as an introduction or preceding event, occurrence, etc

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verb

1. to serve as a prelude to (something)

2. (tr) to introduce by a prelude

Other Word Forms

• preluder noun
• preludial adjective
• preludious adjective
• preludiously adverb
• prelusion noun
• prelusive adjective
• prelusively adverb
• unpreluded adjective

Etymology

Origin of prelude

1555–65; (noun) < Medieval Latin praelūdium, equivalent to prae- pre- + -lūdium play; compare Latin lūdus play; (v.) < Latin praelūdere to play beforehand

Example Sentences

A year later he won the World Cup crystal globe in the slalom as a prelude to his split with the Norwegian set-up.

From Barron's

Seen now, Annie feels almost like a prelude to Roy's later life as a feted novelist and one of India's most polarising writers.

From BBC

MLB officials have cited that fan concern repeatedly over the last year, prelude to an expected push for a salary cap.

From Los Angeles Times

For many viewers, the Puppy Bowl has become a beloved Sunday tradition — a feel-good prelude to the big game that celebrates companionship, resilience and second chances for animals in need.

From Salon

Her fate is prelude, prediction and warning — it’s not an aberration.

From Salon

Related Words

• introduction
• prologue