plural preludes
1
: something that comes before and leads to something else
—usually singular —often + to
The dark clouds were a prelude to the storm.
Drinks and appetizers were offered as a prelude to dinner.
2
: a short piece of music that introduces a longer piece
Cite this Entry
“Prelude.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/prelude. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
Copy Citation
