<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>A preliminary to an action, event, condition, or work of broader scope and higher importance.</li><li>Any action, event, comment, etc. that precedes something else.</li><li>Music: A relatively short, independent instrumental composition, free in form and resembling an improvisation.</li><li>A piece that precedes a more important movement.</li><li>The overture to an opera.</li><li>An independent piece, of moderate length, sometimes used as an introduction to a fugue.</li><li>Music opening a church service; an introductory voluntary.</li></ul><p><strong>Verb</strong></p><ul><li>(used with object) To serve as a prelude or introduction to.</li><li>To introduce by a prelude.</li><li>To play as a prelude.</li><li>(used without object) To serve as a prelude.</li><li>To give a prelude.</li><li>To play a prelude.</li></ul>