1. An instrumental musical piece composed as an introduction to an extended work: An overture for an opera, an oratorical, or a similar orchestral work, which is intended for an independent concert performance, was arranged for the next concert series.
2. An act, an offer, or a proposal which indicates readiness to undertake a course of action or which will begin a special relationship: The government made a significant peace overture by agreeing to have special negotiations with another country.
3. Etymology: "an introductory proposal" from Old French overture, "an opening, a proposal"; from Latin apertura. "opening" from aperire, "to open, to uncover". © ALL rights are reserved.

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1. To present as an introduction: The orchestra overtured an instrumental musical composition as an introduction to the opera.
2. To present or to make an offer or proposal to: The government was overturing a significant peace by opening the door to negotiations.