'Prelude' definitions:

Definition of 'prelude'

From: WordNet
noun
Something that serves as a preceding event or introduces what follows; "training is a necessary preliminary to employment"; "drinks were the overture to dinner" [syn: preliminary, overture, prelude]
noun
Music that precedes a fugue or introduces an act in an opera
verb
Serve as a prelude or opening to
verb
Play as a prelude

Definition of 'Prelude'

From: GCIDE
  • Prelude \Pre*lude"\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Preluded; p. pr. & vb. n. Preluding.] [L. praeludere, praelusum; prae before + ludere to play: cf. F. pr['e]luder. See Ludicrous.] To play an introduction or prelude; to give a prefatory performance; to serve as prelude. [1913 Webster]
  • The musicians preluded on their instruments. --Sir. W. Scott. [1913 Webster]
  • We are preluding too largely, and must come at once to the point. --Jeffrey. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Prelude'

From: GCIDE
  • Prelude \Pre*lude"\, v. t.
  • 1. To introduce with a previous performance; to play or perform a prelude to; as, to prelude a concert with a lively air. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. To serve as prelude to; to precede as introductory. [1913 Webster]
  • [Music] preluding some great tragedy. --Longfellow [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Prelude'

From: GCIDE
  • Prelude \Pre"lude\, n. [F. pr['e]lude (cf. It. preludio, LL. praeludium), fr. L. prae before + ludus play. See Prelude, v. t.] An introductory performance, preceding and preparing for the principal matter; a preliminary part, movement, strain, etc.; especially (Mus.), a strain introducing the theme or chief subject; a movement introductory to a fugue, yet independent; -- with recent composers often synonymous with overture. [1913 Webster]
  • The last Georgic was a good prelude to the Aenis --Addison. [1913 Webster]
  • The cause is more than the prelude, the effect is more than the sequel, of the fact. --Whewell. [1913 Webster]
  • Syn: Preface; introduction; preliminary; preamble; forerunner; harbinger; precursor. [1913 Webster]

Synonyms of 'prelude'

From: Moby Thesaurus

Words containing 'Prelude'