prologue
or pro·log
[ proh-lawg, -log ]
/ ˈproʊ lɔg, -lɒg /
noun
a preliminary discourse; a preface or introductory part of a discourse, poem, or novel.
an introductory speech, often in verse, calling attention to the theme of a play.
the actor or actress who delivers this.
an introductory scene, preceding the first act of a play, opera, etc.
any introductory proceeding, event, etc.: Appetizing delicacies were the prologue to a long dinner.
verb (used with object), pro·logued, pro·logu·ing.
to introduce with or as if with a prologue.
QUIZZES
THIS WEEK’S WORD OF THE DAY QUIZ IS POSITIVELY FELICIFIC
Do you study our Words of the Day with great assiduity? See how many you remember from March 3 to April 5!
Question 1 of 7
transliterate
Origin of prologue
SYNONYMS FOR prologue
OTHER WORDS FROM prologue
pro·logu·ist, pro·log·ist, nounpro·logue·like, pro·log·like, adjectiveun·pro·logued, adjectiveWords nearby prologue
proline dipeptidase, proline iminopeptidase, prolix, prolocutor, prolog, prologue, prologuize, prolong, prolongate, prolongation, prolonge
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Example sentences from the Web for prologue
British Dictionary definitions for prologue
prologue
often US prolog
/ (ˈprəʊlɒɡ) /
noun
- the prefatory lines introducing a play or speech
- the actor speaking these lines
a preliminary act or event
(in early opera)
- an introductory scene in which a narrator summarizes the main action of the work
- a brief independent play preceding the opera, esp one in honour of a patron
verb -logues, -loguing or -logued or US -logs, -loging or -loged
(tr) to introduce or preface with or as if with a prologue
Word Origin for prologue
C13: from Latin prologus, from Greek prologos, from pro- ² + logos discourse
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012