noun
overture
OH-vuht-yoor
Overture (noun) means a first approach or proposal made to start talks or a relationship. Example: “The two countries made overtures toward peace.”
noun
1
A first approach or proposal made to start talks or a relationship.
"The two countries made overtures toward peace."
"He made an overture of friendship after the argument."
2
A piece of music that opens an opera, musical, or other larger work.
"The orchestra played the overture before the curtain rose."
How to use overture
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn opening move toward agreement, or the musical introduction to a larger piece.
Common pairings
peace overtures
make overtures
orchestral overture
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Word forms
- Plural
- overtures
- Third person singular
- overtures
- Past tense
- overtured
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The two countries made _____ toward peace.
Etymology
From Old French overture, ultimately from Latin apertura ("opening"). It is a doublet of aperture.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for overture
See all rhymes for overture →Frequently asked questions
What does “overture” mean?
The word “overture” means a first approach or proposal made to start talks or a relationship. In plain terms, an opening move toward agreement, or the musical introduction to a larger piece.
How do you pronounce “overture”?
“Overture” is pronounced OH-vuht-yoor (/ˈoʊvəɹt͡ʃəɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “overture” in a sentence?
Here is “overture” used in a sentence: “The two countries made overtures toward peace.”
What is the opposite of “overture”?
The opposite of “overture” — its antonyms — is coda.
What part of speech is “overture”?
“Overture” is a noun.
Where does the word “overture” come from?
The word “overture” comes from Latin. From Old French overture, ultimately from Latin apertura ("opening"). It is a doublet of aperture.
How many meanings does “overture” have?
“Overture” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a first approach or proposal made to start talks or a relationship.
