Prelude

Pronunciation

Alternative forms

• prælude archaic

Origin

From Middle French prelude ("singing to test a musical instrument"), from Latin preludium, from earlier Latin praeludere.

Full definition of prelude

Noun

1. An introductory or preliminary performance or event; a preface.
2. (music) A short piece of music that acts as an introduction to a longer piece.

Verb

1. To introduce something, as a prelude.
2. To play an introduction or prelude; to give a prefatory performance.
• Sir Walter ScottThe musicians preluded on their instruments.
• JeffreyWe are preluding too largely, and must come at once to the point.