Definitions for prelude

• Definition
• Anagrams (136)

prelude prel·ude

Spelling: [prel-yood, preyl-, prey-lood, pree-]

IPA: /ˈprɛl yud, ˈpreɪl-, ˈpreɪ lud, ˈpri-/

Prelude is a 7 letter English word. It's valid Scrabble word worth 10 points. It's valid Words with friends word worth 13 points.

You can make 136 anagrams from letters in prelude (deelpru).

Definitions for prelude

noun

1. a preliminary to an action, event, condition, or work of broader scope and higher importance.
2. any action, event, comment, etc. that precedes something else.
3. Music. a relatively short, independent instrumental composition, free in form and resembling an improvisation. a piece that precedes a more important movement. the overture to an opera. an independent piece, of moderate length, sometimes used as an introduction to a fugue. music opening a church service; an introductory voluntary.

verb (used with object)

1. to serve as a prelude or introduction to.
2. to introduce by a prelude.
3. to play as a prelude.

verb (used without object)

1. to serve as a prelude.
2. to give a prelude.
3. to play a prelude.

Origin of prelude

1555-65; (noun) Medieval Latin praelūdium, equivalent to prae- pre- + -lūdium play; compare Latin lūdus play; (v.) Latin praelūdere to play beforehand

Examples for prelude

This could be a prelude to peace talks—or intensified fighting.

What came before the retiring could have been but a prelude.

They have made the prelude, and the importance of their role has passed.

As is, they now look ominously instead like that monopoly's prelude and farcical first act.

What they do regard it as, is a menace to their independence, and a prelude to annexation.

There was an entryway near here to another courtyard, itself a prelude to the heart of the main temple.

Obscurity of station or of birth has no tendency to prelude the favour of God.

Marguerite hoped it would be the prelude to a book she wanted to write, and asked if I could get it published somewhere.

Hell's Half-Acre was a prelude to ten or twelve miles of geyser formation.

We should hope this only sounds like a prelude to an intervention.