prelude

[prel-yood, preyl-, prey-lood, pree-]

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.

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

/ 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

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
• unpreluded adjective
• prelusively adverb
• prelusion noun
• prelusive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of prelude¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of prelude¹

C16: (n) from Medieval Latin praelūdium, from prae before + -lūdium entertainment, from Latin lūdus play; (vb) from Late Latin praelūdere to play beforehand, rehearse, from lūdere to play

Example Sentences

The film is split into three parts - a prelude, followed by two versions of events told from the points of view of both Frankenstein and his creation.

From BBC

As a result, the tour alternates between group and solo sections - with British pop star FKA Twigs making a brief cameo eating a scone during a backstage prelude Rosé's set, for some reason.

From BBC

Many in Mexico view the designation as a prelude to unilateral Pentagon attacks on purported cartel targets.

From Los Angeles Times

The Hall of Fame Game is merely a prelude to the main event of the weekend, Saturday’s induction of the 2025 class.

From Los Angeles Times

Every year about 1 million people get a green card — a prelude to citizenship — through four basic ways: a family relationship, work, a lottery system or as a refugee or asylee.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• introduction 
• prologue