prelude Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun something that serves as a preceding event or introduces what follows
overture; preliminary.
- training is a necessary preliminary to employment
- drinks were the overture to dinner
noun music that precedes a fugue or introduces an act in an opera
verb serve as a prelude or opening to
verb play as a prelude

F. prélude (cf. It. preludio, LL. praeludium), fr. L. prae before + ludus play. See Prelude, v. t.

An introductory performance, preceding and preparing for the principal matter; a preliminary part, movement, strain, etc.; especially (Mus.), a strain introducing the theme or chief subject; a movement introductory to a fugue, yet independent; -- with recent composers often synonymous with overture.
The last Georgic was a good prelude to the Ænis Addison.

The cause is more than the prelude, the effect is more than the sequel, of the fact. Whewell.
Syn. -- Preface; introduction; preliminary; preamble; forerunner; harbinger; precursor.

L. praeludere, praelusum; prae before + ludere to play: cf. F. préluder. See Ludicrous.

imperfect & past participle Preluded; present participle & verbal noun Preluding

To play an introduction or prelude; to give a prefatory performance; to serve as prelude.
The musicians preluded on their instruments. Sir. W. Scott.

We are preluding too largely, and must come at once to the point. Jeffrey.

To introduce with a previous performance; to play or perform a prelude to; as, to prelude a concert with a lively air.
To serve as prelude to; to precede as introductory.
[Music] preluding some great tragedy. Longfellow