Overture (noun) Definition, Meaning & Examples

noun
  1. an opening or initiating move toward negotiations, a new relationship, an agreement, etc.; a formal or informal proposal or offer: overtures of peace; a shy man who rarely made overtures of friendship.
  2. Music.
    • an orchestral composition forming the prelude or introduction to an opera, oratorio, etc.
    • an independent piece of similar character.
  3. an introductory part, as of a poem; prelude; prologue.
  4. (in Presbyterian churches)
    • the action of an ecclesiastical court in submitting a question or proposal to presbyteries.
    • the proposal or question so submitted.
verb (used with object), o·ver·tured, o·ver·tur·ing.
  1. to submit as an overture or proposal: to overture conditions for a ceasefire.
  2. to make an overture or proposal to: to overture one's adversary through a neutral party.
noun
  1. music
    • a piece of orchestral music containing contrasting sections that is played at the beginning of an opera or oratorio, often containing the main musical themes of the work
    • a similar piece preceding the performance of a play
    • a one-movement orchestral piece, usually having a descriptive or evocative title
    • a short piece in three movements (French overture or Italian overture) common in the 17th and 18th centuries
  2. a proposal, act, or gesture initiating a relationship, negotiation, etc
  3. something that introduces what follows
verb (tr)
  1. to make or present an overture to
  2. to introduce with an overture
Overture (noun) Definition, Meaning & Examples

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