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 of overture

Noun

• prelude

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

Even when the houselights dim mid-overture some of them still don’t shut up. —Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2026

For much of the past decade, Gulf states — led by Saudi Arabia — have tried to do exactly that, using diplomatic overtures and economic incentives to stabilize Iraq and draw it back into the Arab fold. —Alaa Shahine Salha, semafor.com, 30 Apr. 2026

The endorsement will likely play a role in a Republican race that could focus heavily on support for law enforcement and overtures to right-wing voters. —Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 27 Apr. 2026

After rebuffing numerous overtures from other teams seeking general managers, DeCosta finally took over after the 2018 season. —Michael Silver, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026

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

Rhymes for overture

• coverture

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