pre·lude
ˈprel-ˌyüd 
ˈprāl-;
ˈpre-ˌlüd,
ˈprā-;
sense 1 also
ˈprē-ˌlüd
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
preluded; preluding
: to give or serve as a prelude
especially
: to play a musical introduction
preluder
noun
Synonyms
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
Gideon Lewis-Kraus, The New Yorker, 9 Sep. 2024
As a somewhat unusual prelude to the typical recording process, Spencer invited me to experience Hyperia, a notorious ride at Thorpe Park and the UK’s highest and fastest rollercoaster.
—Caroline Casey, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024
Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD, 28 Oct. 2024
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
See all Example Sentences for prelude 
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Noun
Currents tried to provide asylum for mourning that was not a prelude to vengeance.
—Gideon Lewis-Kraus, The New Yorker, 9 Sep. 2024
As a somewhat unusual prelude to the typical recording process, Spencer invited me to experience Hyperia, a notorious ride at Thorpe Park and the UK’s highest and fastest rollercoaster.
—Caroline Casey, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024
Verb
Related Articles While discussing the federal indictment against Jeffries, Smith and Jacobson, the U.S. attorney for the Eastern district of New York Breon Price mentioned how a media report preluded the investigation.
—Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD, 28 Oct. 2024
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
See all Example Sentences for prelude
Dictionary Entries Near prelude
Cite this Entry
“Prelude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prelude. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
prelude
1 of 2 noun
pre·lude
ˈprel-ˌ(y)üd
ˈprā-ˌl(y)üd
ˈprā-ˌl(y)üd
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
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