prelude
noun
a preliminary to an action, event, condition, or work of broader scope and higher importance.
preludes
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pluralof prelude.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
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present tense formof prelude (3rd person singular).present tense
Used to describe things happening now or regularly.
preludenouna preliminary to an action, event, condition, or work of broader scope and higher importance.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It has also caused speculation among Russian analysts and the country’s political class over whether it preludes another draft.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 3, 2026
He started playing piano at the age of two and, at just 17, gave a remarkable two-and-a-half-hour concert featuring the 24 preludes and fugues by composer Dmitri Shostakovich.
From BBC ● Aug. 24, 2024
The novenario meals were preludes to the funeral reception, held at Torres Banquet Hall near St. Alphonsus.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 11, 2023
It hosted world gymnastics and track titles, both of which were preludes to the World Cup, which is costing the country an estimated $220 billion.
From Seattle Times ● Nov. 16, 2022
Wars, migrations, natural disasters—these were mere preludes to the Mormon story.
From "Educated" by Tara Westover
