over·ture
ˈō-vər-ˌchu̇r 
ˈō-və-,
-chər,
-ˌtyu̇r,
-ˌtu̇r
2
a
: the orchestral introduction to a musical dramatic work
b
: an orchestral concert piece written especially as a single movement in sonata form
overtured; overturing
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
Sam Gringlas, NPR, 16 May 2026
However, Havana has rejected past overtures — including Washington’s recent offer of $100 million in aid — while the regime has vowed to hold on to power despite rising domestic and foreign pressures.
—Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 15 May 2026
West has been making overtures to the Jewish community in recent months.
—Shirley Halperin, Rolling Stone, 14 May 2026
But that trio declined the Pac-12’s overtures in September 2024 and seems unlikely to reverse course.
—Jon Wilner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for overture
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
And Cassidy's overtures to Trump voters may fall flat as well.
—Sam Gringlas, NPR, 16 May 2026
However, Havana has rejected past overtures — including Washington’s recent offer of $100 million in aid — while the regime has vowed to hold on to power despite rising domestic and foreign pressures.
—Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 15 May 2026
West has been making overtures to the Jewish community in recent months.
—Shirley Halperin, Rolling Stone, 14 May 2026
But that trio declined the Pac-12’s overtures in September 2024 and seems unlikely to reverse course.
—Jon Wilner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for overture
Cite this Entry
“Overture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overture. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
