Meaning of the word prelude in English

What does prelude mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

prelude

US /ˈprel.juːd/
UK /ˈprel.juːd/
"prelude" picture

Noun

1.

an action or event serving as an introduction to something more important.

Example:
The small skirmish was a prelude to the full-scale war.
His early works were a prelude to his later masterpieces.
2.

a piece of music, typically an introductory one.

Example:
Chopin's Prelude in E minor is a well-known classical piece.
The concert began with a short orchestral prelude.

Verb

1.

to serve as a prelude or introduction to.

Example:
The quiet evening preluded a stormy night.
His speech preluded the main event of the conference.
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