Sample sentences for OVERTURE - verbalworkout.com

3 meanings

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1 —as in:
played the William Tell Overture

Definition

orchestral music played as an introduction to a longer piece — especially an opera or oratorio

overture = orchestral music played as an introduction to a longer piece — especially an opera or oratorio

Other Uses (with this meaning)

The stage was dark for a moment, and silent; then suddenly, with a burst of golden light and an orchestral overture from the CD player behind the curtain, Angel stepped onto the stage.
Sharon M. Draper -- Forged by Fire

overture = orchestral music played as an introduction to a longer piece

The curtain had not yet risen and the overture was being played.
Leo Tolstoy -- War and Peace

2 —as in:
she made an overture

Definition

a tentative suggestion designed to elicit the reactions of others

overture = a tentative suggestion designed to elicit the reactions of others

Other Uses (with this meaning)

overtures of peace
Washington's overtures to Damascus
But now, when he has made his overtures so properly, and honourably—what are your scruples now?
Jane Austen -- Mansfield Park

overtures = offers or suggestions

overture = attempt to start a friendly conversation

I hear there is an overture of peace.
William Shakespeare -- All's Well that End's Well
...the first overture of a marriage between the families...
Jane Austen -- Northanger Abbey

3 —as in:
the play's overture

Definition

any beginning or introduction — such as a written introduction for a play, poem, or other literary work

overture = any beginning or introduction — such as a written introduction for a play, poem, or other literary work

Other Uses (with this meaning)

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