I. ˈprel-ˌyüd, ˈprāl-; ˈpre-ˌlüd, ˈprā-; sense 1 also ˈprē-ˌlüd noun
Etymology: Middle French, from Medieval Latin praeludium, from Latin praeludere to play beforehand, from prae- + ludere to play — more at ludicrous
Date: 1561
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
II. verb
( pre·lud·ed ; pre·lud·ing )
Date: 1655
transitive verb
1. : to serve as a prelude to
2. : to play as a prelude
intransitive verb
: to give or serve as a prelude ; especially : to play a musical introduction
• pre·lud·er noun