- (v.t.) To serve as prelude to; to precede as introductory.
- (v.t.) To introduce with a previous performance; to play or perform a prelude to; as, to prelude a concert with a lively air.
- (v.i.) To play an introduction or prelude; to give a prefatory performance; to serve as prelude.
- (v.t.) An introductory performance, preceding and preparing for the principal matter; a preliminary part, movement, strain, etc.; especially (Mus.), a strain introducing the theme or chief subject; a movement introductory to a fugue, yet independent; -- with recent composers often synonymous with overture.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
| APA | Webster's. (2011). prelude. Retrieved September 20, 2026, from http://smartdefine.org/prelude/definitions/2048671 |
| Chicago | Webster's. 2011. "prelude" http://smartdefine.org/prelude/definitions/2048671 (accessed September 20, 2026). |
| Harvard | Webster's 2011, prelude, Smart Define, viewed 20 September, 2026, <http://smartdefine.org/prelude/definitions/2048671>. |
| MLA | Webster's. "prelude" 27 May 2011. Web. 20 September 2026. <http://smartdefine.org/prelude/definitions/2048671> |