As a noun, a prelude is an event or action that comes before something more important, often preparing the way. In music, it is a short piece played as an introduction. As a verb, it means to serve as a prelude to something.
“Prelude” comes from French *prélude*, from Medieval Latin *praeludium*, from *prae-* (“before”) + *ludere* (“to play”). It originally referred to musicians “playing before” the main piece.
The word keeps a playful root—“to play before”—which fits how preludes tease what’s coming next. In stories and history, small events can be preludes that hint at much larger changes on the way.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.