<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>an opening or initiating move toward negotiations, a new relationship, an agreement, etc.; a formal or informal proposal or offer: overtures of peace; a shy man who rarely made overtures of friendship.</li><li>Music: an orchestral composition forming the prelude or introduction to an opera, oratorio, etc.; an independent piece of similar character.</li><li>an introductory part, as of a poem; prelude; prologue.</li><li>(in Presbyterian churches) the action of an ecclesiastical court in submitting a question or proposal to presbyteries; the proposal or question so submitted.</li></ul><p><strong>Verb</strong></p><ul><li>to submit as an overture or proposal: to overture conditions for a ceasefire.</li><li>to make an overture or proposal to: to overture one's adversary through a neutral party.</li></ul>