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 of introduction

• preface
• foreword
• intro
• prologue

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

Newcastle cannot play this way in every match, especially not on Tyneside, where many opposition sides will come and set up deeper, but this was an encouraging introduction to the attacking part of ‘Jaissle-ball’. — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026

That probably was because of the introduction of a lower tax rate on qualified dividends. — Bob Carlson, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026

The pace of new series introduction grew 25% in the second quarter of this year but total watch time of new series declined 4%. — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026

New research is beginning to quantify just how much the introduction of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, the adoption of reuse, and the vehicle’s high cadence have upended the global launch market, Ars reports. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 21 Aug. 2026

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

Rhymes for introduction

• coproduction
• deconstruction
• liposuction
• misconstruction
• postproduction
• preconstruction
• preproduction
• reconstruction
• reproduction
• abduction
• adduction
• conduction

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