1. plural of prelude; introductory pieces of music or events that come before something more important

1. third person singular present of prelude; serves as an introduction to or comes before something

Examples

• The pianist performed several Chopin preludes before the main concert.
• These small protests were preludes to the larger revolution.
• Bach’s preludes are often studied by beginning classical musicians.
• The thunder preludes the approaching storm.
• Her early novels served as preludes to her masterpiece.
• The ceremony always preludes the main event.
• These negotiations are merely preludes to the real discussions.