overture

[ oh-ver-cher, -choo r ]
/ ˈoʊ vər tʃər, -ˌtʃʊər /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR overture ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

an opening or initiating move toward negotiations, a new relationship, an agreement, etc.; a formal or informal proposal or offer: overtures of peace; a shy man who rarely made overtures of friendship.
Music.
  1. an orchestral composition forming the prelude or introduction to an opera, oratorio, etc.
  2. an independent piece of similar character.
an introductory part, as of a poem; prelude; prologue.
(in Presbyterian churches)
  1. the action of an ecclesiastical court in submitting a question or proposal to presbyteries.
  2. the proposal or question so submitted.

verb (used with object), o·ver·tured, o·ver·tur·ing.

to submit as an overture or proposal: to overture conditions for a ceasefire.
to make an overture or proposal to: to overture one's adversary through a neutral party.

Origin of overture

1300–50; Middle English < Old French; see overt, -ure; doublet of aperture

Words nearby overture

overtop, overtopping, overtrade, overtrick, overtrump, overture, overturn, overuse, overvalue, overview, overvoltage

Words related to overture

signal, proposition, suggestion, invitation, proposal, presentation, bid, advance, foreword, opening, prelude, offer, preface, tender, prologue, preamble, exordium, proem, prelusion

Example sentences from the Web for overture

British Dictionary definitions for overture

overture
/ (ˈəʊvəˌtjʊə) /

noun

music
  1. a piece of orchestral music containing contrasting sections that is played at the beginning of an opera or oratorio, often containing the main musical themes of the work
  2. a similar piece preceding the performance of a play
  3. Also called: concert overture a one-movement orchestral piece, usually having a descriptive or evocative title
  4. a short piece in three movements (French overture or Italian overture) common in the 17th and 18th centuries
(often plural) a proposal, act, or gesture initiating a relationship, negotiation, etc
something that introduces what follows

verb (tr)

to make or present an overture to
to introduce with an overture

Word Origin for overture

C14: via Old French, from Late Latin apertūra opening, from Latin aperīre to open; see overt

Cultural definitions for overture

overture

A piece of music for instruments alone, written as an introduction to a longer work, such as an opera, an oratorio, or a musical comedy.