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Definition of prelude
1 : an introductory performance, action, or event preceding and preparing for the principal or a more important matter
2a : 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 oratoriob : an opening voluntaryc : a separate concert piece usually for piano or orchestra and based entirely on a short motif
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Examples of prelude in a Sentence
an eruption of sectarian violence that proved to be the prelude to all-out civil war
the musical had a brief prelude to get the audience in the proper mood
Recent Examples of prelude from the Web
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Shocked but stalwart, Sams pulled out his NDA as a prelude to getting down to business.
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The daylong event was a prelude to a more extensive program being planned for 2018.
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Business, hoping to avoid getting slammed by Brexit’s full impact in 2019, is making a fresh push for a lengthy transition (enraging the Tory hard-liners, who see it as a prelude to betraying the referendum mandate).
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The market is both the best way to wind down the week or the perfect prelude to One Fine Day in the town.
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As a prelude to this week’s 2017 Sportstyle Trade Show and Expo at the Broward Convention Center, the RIA hosted its first South Florida summit at the Hyatt Pier 66 in Fort Lauderdale.
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This art felt like a prelude to the sea caves, the all-natural sculptures that are the Apostle Islands’ biggest draw.
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In a prelude to Thursday's theatrics, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein will testify Wednesday.
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His immediate heartbreak proved to be the prelude to one of the most touching — and ultimately uplifting — stories in World Series history.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'prelude'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of prelude
Middle French, from Medieval Latin praeludium, from Latin praeludere to play beforehand, from prae- + ludere to play — more at ludicrous
prelude
Definition of prelude
preluded
;preluding
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
preluder
nounFirst Known Use of prelude
1632
PRELUDE Defined for English Language Learners
prelude
playDefinition of prelude for English Language Learners
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: something that comes before and leads to something else
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: a short piece of music that introduces a longer piece
PRELUDE Defined for Kids
prelude
playDefinition of prelude for Students
1 : something that comes before and prepares for the main or more important parts
2 : a short piece of music played at the beginning of something (as an opera or church service)
Learn More about prelude
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See words that rhyme with prelude Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for prelude Spanish Central: Translation of prelude Nglish: Translation of prelude for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of prelude for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about prelude
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