prologue

or pro·log

[ proh-lawg, -log ]
See synonyms for prologue on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. a preliminary discourse; a preface or introductory part of a discourse, poem, or novel.: Compare epilogue (def. 1).

  2. an introductory speech, often in verse, calling attention to the theme of a play.: Compare epilogue (def. 3).

  1. the actor or actress who delivers the introductory speech that calls attention to the theme of a play.: Compare epilogue (def. 4).

  2. an introductory scene, preceding the first act of a play, opera, etc.

  3. any introductory proceeding, event, etc.: Appetizing delicacies were the prologue to a long dinner.

verb (used with object),pro·logued, pro·logu·ing.
  1. to introduce with or as if with a prologue.

Origin of prologue

1
First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English prolog(e), prologue, from Old French prologue and Latin prologus, from Greek prólogos; see pro-2, -logue

Other words for prologue

Other words from prologue

  • pro·logu·ist, pro·log·ist, noun
  • pro·logue·like, pro·log·like, adjective
  • un·pro·logued, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

British Dictionary definitions for prologue

prologue

often US prolog

/ (ˈprəʊlɒɡ) /


noun
    • the prefatory lines introducing a play or speech

    • the actor speaking these lines

  1. a preliminary act or event

  1. (in early opera)

    • an introductory scene in which a narrator summarizes the main action of the work

    • a brief independent play preceding the opera, esp one in honour of a patron

verb-logues, -loguing or -logued or US -logs, -loging or -loged
  1. (tr) to introduce or preface with or as if with a prologue

Origin of prologue

1
C13: from Latin prologus, from Greek prologos, from pro- ² + logos discourse

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012