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

The James Bond franchise got its own moment at the 2025 Oscars with a medley dedicated to the films and performed by Lisa, Doja Cat and Raye, with a preamble by Margaret Qualley in the form of a dance to the movie’s theme. —Benjamin Svetkey, The Hollywood Reporter, 2 Mar. 2025

Scammers typically start their interactions with well-rehearsed, smoothly executed preambles, creating good first impressions. —Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 22 Feb. 2025

There are staff who are deployed on disaster and humanitarian responses around the world on behalf of the U.S. government, who tonight -- in the last night with no preamble, no warning and no communication -- were kicked off their email, kicked off their U.S. government computer systems. —Anna Katharine Ping, ABC News, 3 Feb. 2025

His show jumped right into the comedy, with no glitzy preamble. —Susan Morrison, 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

Rhymes for preamble

• amble
• bramble
• gamble
• ramble
• scramble

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