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

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

Organist Lee Jessup begins a short prelude with a chime tone.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• introduction
• prologue