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

Many people are willing to help and make introductions. —Jack Kelly, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025

The show kicks off with the death of Petey and introduction of Helly Britt Lower in Season 1 of SeveranceApple TV+ At the beginning of the series, Mark, a worker bee at Lumon, finds out that his best friend in the office, Petey, has suddenly quit, which means Mark will never see him again. —Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 15 Jan. 2025

As far as Cubs Conventions go, Sosa’s introduction might be the most electric moment at the Sheraton Grand Chicago since the World Series champs showed up in 2017 and got the rock star treatment. —Sahadev Sharma, The Athletic, 14 Jan. 2025

That plan is illustrated by Hegseth’s own journey, starting with his introduction to Wilson’s ideas and institutions through the Association of Classical Christian Schools. —Liam Adams, USA TODAY, 13 Jan. 2025

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