prelude

//ˈprɛl.juːd//
C1Frequency Level 12Formal
Visual representation of prelude

Noun

preludeSingular
preludesPlural
1

An action or event serving as an introduction to something more important.

The meeting was just a prelude to the main negotiations.

2

An introductory piece of music, most commonly an orchestral opening to an act of an opera, or a short independent piece for piano or orchestra.

The orchestra performed a beautiful prelude before the opera began.

Verb

1

To serve as a prelude or introduction to something.

A short speech preluded the main performance.