Main entry: overture, preliminary, prelude
Definition: something that serves as a preceding event or introduces what follows
Usage: training is a necessary preliminary to employment; drinks were the overture to dinner
Main entry: prelim, preliminary
Definition: a minor match preceding the main event
Main entry: preliminary
Definition: denoting an action or event preceding or in preparation for something more important; designed to orient or acquaint with a situation before proceeding
Usage: a preliminary investigation