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)

, prel·ud·ed, prel·ud·ing.

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)

, prel·ud·ed, prel·ud·ing.

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

Derived Forms

• preˈlusively, adverb
• prelusion, noun
• prelusive, adjective
• preluder, noun
• preˈludial, adjective

Other Words From

• prelud·er noun
• pre·lu·di·al [pri-, loo, -dee-, uh, l], pre·ludi·ous adjective
• pre·ludi·ous·ly adverb
• un·prelud·ed 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

Israeli troops have continued clearing northern Gaza of inhabitants, calling for mass evacuations that many rights groups contend are a prelude to Israel’s occupation of parts of the enclave.

From Los Angeles Times

That was a prelude to last week’s vote by council leaders - by a margin of 18 to 14 - to walk away from negotiations.

From BBC

This was the prelude to his head-scratching assertion that he has “concepts of a plan” to reform healthcare in the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

But then the pager attacks occurred on 18 September, a prelude to a series of other strikes.

From BBC

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

Related Words

• introduction
• prologue