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.
The pandemic—a period of isolation, stifled desire, and spare cash that would usually have been spent on night life—provided Fedorova with the opportunity for an introduction into fetish gear. Lillian Fishman, New Yorker, 25 Feb. 2026 Your 11th House of Community welcomes the emotional Moon, who trines passionate Mars in your 7th House of Links, making introductions feel exciting. Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 25 Feb. 2026 With the introduction of A&M’s motion capture technology, that gap has finally been bridged. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 25 Feb. 2026 What looked like a resurrection was actually an introduction. Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 25 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 2 Mar. 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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