preamble

noun

pre·​am·​ble ˈprē-ˌam-bəl 

prē-ˈam-

1

: an introductory statement

especially : the introductory part of a constitution or statute that usually states the reasons for and intent of the law

2

: an introductory fact or circumstance

especially : one indicating what is to follow

Synonyms

• curtain-raiser
• overture
• preliminary
• prelude
• prologue
• prolog
• warm-up

Examples of preamble in a Sentence

The preamble to the U.S. Constitution begins by saying “We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, …”.

His early travels were just a preamble to his later adventures.

Recent Examples on the Web

This is just a preamble for James Austin Johnson’s Donald Trump to comment on the first week of his presidency. —Andy Hoglund, EW.com, 26 Jan. 2025

The rest of your preamble spoke to Stanley’s usage, referencing healthy scratches last year and overuse this season, while wondering why Ville Heinola wasn’t getting the same opportunity. —Murat Ates, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025

The preamble says that behind-the-meter sources of clean electricity often already participate in EAC registries, which should make the transition fairly seamless for most. —Marie Sapirie, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025

The Trump bit was just a preamble; the show’s real focus was a scandal involving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. —Ruth Margalit, The New Yorker, 13 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French preambule, from Medieval Latin preambulum, from Late Latin, neuter of praeambulus walking in front of, from Latin prae- + ambulare to walk

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing preamble

• without preamble

Kids Definition

preamble

noun

pre·​am·​ble ˈprē-ˌam-bəl 

prē-ˈam-

1

: an introduction (as to a law) that often gives the reasons for the parts that follow

2

: something that comes before and leads to something else

Legal Definition

preamble

noun

pre·​am·​ble ˈprē-ˌam-bəl, prē-ˈam- 

: an introductory statement (as to a contract)

especially : the introductory part of a constitution or statute that usually states the reasons for and intent of the law

Note: While preambles do not state law and therefore are not judicially enforceable, they are used to determine legislative intent when interpreting statutes.

Etymology

Middle French preambule, from Medieval Latin preambulum, from Late Latin, neuter of preambulus walking in front of, from Latin prae- + ambulare to walk