prelude

noun

1. something that serves as a preceding event or introduces what follows

- training is a necessary preliminary to employment

Similar word(s): overture, preliminary

Definition categories: event, inception, origin, origination

2. music that precedes a fugue or introduces an act in an opera

Definition categories: communication, music

verb

1. serve as a prelude or opening to

Definition categories: stative, function, serve

2. play as a prelude

Definition categories: creation, play, spiel