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

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

The revelation has prompted outrage in Colombia and concern abroad, especially given the apparent overtures to foreign politicians and the suggestion that criminal networks could play a role in the country’s leadership transition. —Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 30 June 2025

The person and his wife have now made several overtures toward reconciling with us. —Judith Martin, Mercury News, 20 June 2025

The following year, Ahmadinejad made his own overture to Washington in an 18-page letter to President Bush. —Jeffrey Fields, The Conversation, 18 June 2025

Despite the once-powerful Democrat’s apparent overtures to gain the president’s sympathy, Trump has remained mum. —Ella Lee, The Hill, 18 June 2025

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