overture

1 of 2

noun

over·​ture ˈō-vər-ˌchu̇r 

ˈō-və-,

-chər,

-ˌtyu̇r,

-ˌtu̇r

1

a

: an initiative toward agreement or action : proposal

b

: something introductory : prelude

2

a

: the orchestral introduction to a musical dramatic work

b

: an orchestral concert piece written especially as a single movement in sonata form

overture

2 of 2

verb

overtured; overturing

transitive verb

1

: to put forward as an overture

2

: to make or present an overture to

Synonyms

Noun

• curtain-raiser
• preamble
• preliminary
• prelude
• prologue
• prolog
• warm-up

Examples of overture in a Sentence

Noun

The government has made a significant peace overture by opening the door to negotiation.

the parade down Main Street served as the overture for a weekend of fun and festivities

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Hamas made some overtures to Christians, such as having senior officials publicly welcome the Christian holidays. —Aaron Boxerman, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2024

The mayor, who has voiced support for stricter enforcement against undocumented immigrants accused of crimes, has drawn ire from Democratic leaders for his overtures to Trump. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 16 Dec. 2024

This is extremely welcome news for the Big 12 whose commissioner was making overtures about the importance of a Big 12 (and all Power 4) champion receiving a first round bye. —Giovanni Malloy, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024

That same month, Qualcomm made overtures about a possible takeover. —Rohan Goswami,hayden Field, CNBC, 2 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, literally, opening, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin *opertura, alteration of Latin apertura — more at aperture

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1655, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

overture

noun

over·​ture

ˈō-və(r)-ˌchu̇(ə)r,

-chər

1

: an opening offer : proposal

the enemy made overtures for peace

2

a

: a musical composition played by the orchestra as the introduction to an opera or musical play

b

: a piece of music in the style of an overture for concert performance