I. ˈprelˌyüd, ˈprāˌlüd, ˈpreˌlüd, ˈprālˌyüd, ˈprēˌlüd; the first pronunciation is heard more often for nonmusical than for musical senses, the ā pronunciations vice versa; the ē pronunciation is rarely heard for musical senses noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle French prelude, from Medieval Latin praeludium, from Latin praeludere to prelude
: an introductory performance, action, event, or other matter, preceding and preparing for a principal or a more important matter : a preliminary part : introduction , preface : as
a. : a musical section or movement introducing the theme or chief subject (as of a fugue, suite) or serving as an introduction to an opera or oratorio
b. : an opening voluntary (as in a church service)
c. : a separate concert piece usually for piano or orchestra and usually based entirely on a short motive
II. verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Latin praeludere to play beforehand, to prelude, preface, from prae- pre- + ludere to play — more at ludicrous
intransitive verb
: to give or serve as a prelude : furnish an introduction : be introductory ; especially : to play a musical introduction
transitive verb
1. : to serve as prelude to : precede as introductory : foreshadow
2. : to play as a prelude : play or perform a prelude to