1. A preliminary performance or activity that takes place before introducing one of more importance; a preface to a literary work: Douglas, the author, asked a fellow writer if he would write the prelude for Mildred's new book.
2. In music, a piece that is performed before the introduction to a musical presentation, especially such a movement preceding a fugue or forming the first piece of a suite: Johann Sebastian Bach wrote some of the most beautiful preludes Brian had ever heard.

When Tracy went to the opera, she had just a minute or two to read the program before the orchestra played the prelude.

The performance by the school choir was the prelude to the president of the school board's speech on music in the schools.

3. Etymology: from Middle French prélude, "notes sung" or "played to test a voice or instrument" (1532); from Middle Latin preludium, "prelude, preliminary"; from Latin præludere, "to play beforehand for practice, to preface"; from præ-, "before" + ludere, "to play".

1. To introduce an event, especially that which is longer and more important: The dark clouds are preluding a severe storm.

A good education and proper training are preluding Jim to a good career.

2. To introduce a piece of music prior to a bigger composition: The pianist preluded Wilhelm Richard Wagner's opera with a short Frédéric François Chopin presentation.
3. Etymology: from Latin praeludere, "to play before"; from pre-,"before" + ludere, "to play".