prelude

1 of 2

noun

pre·​lude ˈprel-ˌyüd How to pronounce prelude (audio)
ˈprāl-;
ˈpre-ˌlüd,
ˈprā-;
sense 1 also
ˈprē-ˌlüd How to pronounce prelude (audio)
1
: an introductory performance, action, or event preceding and preparing for the principal or a more important matter
2
a
: a musical section or movement introducing the theme or chief subject (as of a fugue or suite) or serving as an introduction to an opera or oratorio
b
: an opening voluntary
c
: a separate concert piece usually for piano or orchestra and based entirely on a short motif

prelude

2 of 2

verb

preluded; preluding

transitive verb

1
: to serve as a prelude to
2
: to play as a prelude

intransitive verb

: to give or serve as a prelude
especially : to play a musical introduction
preluder noun

Examples of prelude in a Sentence

Noun an eruption of sectarian violence that proved to be the prelude to all-out civil war the musical had a brief prelude to get the audience in the proper mood
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
This is no longer just a competition; today’s conflicts could be a prelude to a wider war. Nadia Schadlow, Foreign Affairs, 9 Oct. 2024 Asked during an interview whether the investment was a bid to burnish its image and a prelude to an initial public offering, Tang demurred. Samantha Conti, WWD, 9 July 2024
Verb
In Rome, Christian leaders incorporated the tradition as a way to prelude Lent, when people would often fast between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday. Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 12 June 2024 That, and the numerous MCU movies prior, was merely prelude to a monumental brawl against Thanos for all the marbles that may never be surpassed in sheer epicness. Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 20 Aug. 2013 See all Example Sentences for prelude 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'prelude.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle French, from Medieval Latin praeludium, from Latin praeludere to play beforehand, from prae- + ludere to play — more at ludicrous

First Known Use

Noun

1561, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1632, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of prelude was in 1561

Dictionary Entries Near prelude

Cite this Entry

“Prelude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prelude. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

prelude

1 of 2 noun
1
: something that comes before and prepares for the main or more important parts
the wind was a prelude to the storm
2
a
: a short musical introduction (as to an opera)
b
: a musical piece (as an organ solo) played at the beginning of a church service

prelude

2 of 2 verb
preluded; preluding
: to give, play, or serve as a prelude

More from Merriam-Webster on prelude

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!