- a preliminary to an action, event, condition, or work of broader scope and higher importance.
- any action, event, comment, etc. that precedes something else.
- 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.
- to serve as a prelude or introduction to.
- to introduce by a prelude.
- to play as a prelude.
- to serve as a prelude.
- to give a prelude.
- to play a prelude.
- 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
- something serving as an introduction or preceding event, occurrence, etc
- to serve as a prelude to (something)
- to introduce by a prelude