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

His focus on his ties with Kelly underscored the fact that overtures to the popular governor will play a major role in winning over Democratic voters in the upcoming primary. —Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 1 June 2026

The overture from the Raman camp, first reported by LA Material, took place after the May 6 NBC LA debate but before a Fox debate planned for the next week, Shaikh said. —Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026

South Korea's Foreign Ministry spokesperson urged North Korea to respond to Seoul's peace overtures and efforts to reduce tensions in a press briefing on Tuesday. —Joyce Lee, USA Today, 26 May 2026

Advertisement Some Shia figures made overtures to Washington and distanced themselves from the attacks, but other militias like Kataib Hezbollah are unflinching, promising to fight on. —Nabil Salih, Time, 26 May 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