introduction

noun

in·​tro·​duc·​tion ˌin-trə-ˈdək-shən How to pronounce introduction (audio)
Synonyms of introductionnext
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Last year's introduction of the Hangout 15 on-water hammock lounge was one recent addition, and the new Hangout Shade series Bote launched a few days ago becomes the latest. New Atlas, 4 Feb. 2026 Hilton, meanwhile, used his introduction to attack his Republican rival in the primary, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco. Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 4 Feb. 2026 Lakers center Jaxson Hayes has been suspended one game without pay for pushing a Washington Wizards mascot during pregame introductions, the NBA announced Wednesday. Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026 The introduction of Premier League squad cost rules (SCR) in place of PSR (profitability and sustainability rules), which moves the system from being loss-based to ratio-based, for next season should also benefit Newcastle. James McNicholas, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for introduction

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of introduction was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Introduction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/introduction. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

introduction

noun
in·​tro·​duc·​tion ˌin-trə-ˈdək-shən How to pronounce introduction (audio)
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 How to pronounce introduction (audio)
: an action of putting in or inserting
introduction of contrast material through the catheterScientific American Medicine
introduce transitive verb
introduced; introducing

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