introduction

noun

in·​tro·​duc·​tion ˌin-trə-ˈdək-shən 

1

: something that introduces: such as

a(1)

: a part of a book or treatise preliminary to the main portion

(2)

: a preliminary treatise or course of study

b

: a short introductory musical passage

2

: the act or process of introducing : the state of being introduced

3

: a putting in : insertion

4

: something introduced

specifically : a new or exotic plant or animal

Synonyms

• exordium
• foreword
• intro
• preamble
• preface
• prelude
• proem
• prologue
• prolog
• prolusion

Examples of introduction in a Sentence

the introduction of telephone service to the area

Since its introduction last year, over a million copies of the software have been sold.

the introduction of evidence at the trial

the introduction of a new topic for conversation

the introduction of the bill to Congress

She told the audience, by way of introduction, that the research was completed a year ago.

the introduction of an Asian plant species to America

After a brief introduction, the performer took the stage.

Recent Examples on the Web

This suggests that, with the introduction of a reporting system for national invoices, the current flexibility regarding transmission methods for domestic invoices will be restricted. —Aleksandra Bal, Forbes, 1 Jan. 2025

The introduction of direct payments from schools to athletes in 2025 will mark another revolutionary change, and collateral damage from the combined upheaval has the potential to affect every key stakeholder of the sport. —Scott Dochterman, The Athletic, 31 Dec. 2024

But thanks to an international hunting ban in 1911 and the introduction of the Marine Mammal Protection Act in 1972, these charismatic creatures have been making a comeback. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Dec. 2024

This development marks the commercial introduction of Leap. Polybion In June, Polybion’s Celium made its world debut. —Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 30 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English introduccioun act of introducing, from Anglo-French introduction, from Latin introduction-, introductio, from introducere

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

introduction

noun

in·​tro·​duc·​tion ˌin-trə-ˈdək-shən 

1

a

: the action of introducing

b

: something introduced

2

: the part of a book that leads up to and explains what will be found in the main part

3

: a book for beginners in a subject

Medical Definition

introduction

noun

in·​tro·​duc·​tion ˌin-trə-ˈdək-shən 

: an action of putting in or inserting

introduction of contrast material through the catheter

—Scientific American Medicine

introduce

-ˈd(y)üs 

transitive verb

introduced; introducing