orchestral music played at the beginning of an opera or oratorio
"The audience settled into their seats as the quiet overture began, signaling that the grand opera was about to start."
something that serves as a preceding event or introduces what follows
"training is a necessary preliminary to employment"
"drinks were the overture to dinner"
An opening; a recess or chamber.
"The architect designed a narrow overture between the two wings of the castle to allow light into the central courtyard."
To make overtures; to approach with a proposal.
"After months of hesitation, she finally made an overture by sending him a thoughtful email suggesting we collaborate on the project."