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

Guard Landon Dickerson #69 of the Philadelphia Eagles and quarterback Tanner McKee #16 enter the field during player introductions prior to an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, at Arena Corinthians on September 6, 2024 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. —Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2024

Disneyland’s line-cutting perk has gone from the most affordable to the most expensive among Southern California theme parks with the introduction of a pricey new front-of-the-line option aimed at VIP big spenders. —Brady MacDonald, Orange County Register, 17 Oct. 2024

The first is the introduction of a third party into a process that, in theory, should stay between patient and physician. —Brennan Kilbane, Allure, 16 Oct. 2024

Compared to some of the 2024 colors previously mentioned, Cinnamon Slate warms things up with the introduction of red undertones. —Tim Nelson, Architectural Digest, 16 Oct. 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