overture

1 of 2

noun

over·​ture ˈō-vər-ˌchu̇r 

ˈō-və-, 

-chər, 

-ˌtyu̇r, 

-ˌtu̇r

1

a

: an initiative toward agreement or action : proposal

b

: something introductory : prelude

2

a

: the orchestral introduction to a musical dramatic work

b

: an orchestral concert piece written especially as a single movement in sonata form

overture

2 of 2

verb

overtured; overturing

transitive verb

1

: to put forward as an overture

2

: to make or present an overture to

Synonyms of overture

Noun

• prelude

Examples of overture in a Sentence

Noun

The government has made a significant peace overture by opening the door to negotiation.

the parade down Main Street served as the overture for a weekend of fun and festivities

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In his keynote speech in Washington last week, just hours after Trump signed the executive order, Hawley went a step further than his recent overtures to American workers. —Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 9 June 2026

The visit will be Xi’s first to North Korea since 2019, and the latest overture from Beijing to warm a historical but often complicated relationship with its neighbor. —Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 5 June 2026

After accepting the role, Abdul-Mateen extended an overture to build a rapport offscreen in service of their onscreen relationship, but much to his surprise, Kingsley rebuffed the offer. —Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 4 June 2026

Cooper turned down Weiss' overtures to anchor it and left the network altogether, concerned about her approach, according to associates. —David Folkenflik, NPR, 3 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, literally, opening, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin *opertura, alteration of Latin apertura — more at aperture

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1655, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for overture

• coverture

Kids Definition

overture

noun

over·​ture

ˈō-və(r)-ˌchu̇(ə)r, 

-chər

1

: an opening offer : proposal

the enemy made overtures for peace

2

a

: a musical composition played by the orchestra as the introduction to an opera or musical play

b

: a piece of music in the style of an overture for concert performance