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

The business of the midterms is the redress of old grievances and the introduction of new characters. —Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2026

Prior to pregame introductions the Bruins honored seniors Bilodeau, Dent and Clark; fifth-year player Jamar Brown; redshirt seniors Steven Jamerson II, Jack Seidler and Anthony Peoples Jr; and redshirt junior Evan Manjikian. —Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2026

Other seminal works include the Vitra Design museum in Germany (the introduction of his inventive formal language to Europe); the playful Dancing House in Prague; and 8 Spruce Street (or Beekman Tower) in New York City. —David Sokol, Architectural Digest, 4 Mar. 2026

Ballantyne then recalls his early introduction to music in his native Scotland. —Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 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