Prelude (noun) Definition, Meaning & Examples

Admin
noun
  1. a preliminary to an action, event, condition, or work of broader scope and higher importance.
  2. any action, event, comment, etc. that precedes something else.
  3. Music.
    • a relatively short, independent instrumental composition, free in form and resembling an improvisation.
    • a piece that precedes a more important movement.
    • the overture to an opera.
    • an independent piece, of moderate length, sometimes used as an introduction to a fugue.
    • 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.
noun
    • 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
    • (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. to introduce by a prelude
Prelude (noun) Definition, Meaning & Examples

More Definitions