preamble

noun pre·am·ble \ ˈprē-ˌam-bəl , prē-ˈam- \

Updated on: 6 Apr 2018

Definition of preamble

1 : an introductory statement; especially : the introductory part of a constitution or statute that usually states the reasons for and intent of the law

2 : an introductory fact or circumstance; especially : one indicating what is to follow

See preamble defined for English-language learners

See preamble defined for kids

Examples of preamble in a Sentence

The preamble to the U.S. Constitution begins by saying “We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, …”.
His early travels were just a preamble to his later adventures.

Recent Examples of preamble from the Web

High school graduates can now be tested on the new preamble to the Hungarian Constitution — a text which implies that Hungarian nationality is exclusively Christian, even though Hungary has a substantial Jewish minority.

— patrick kingsley, New York Times, "How Viktor Orban Bends Hungarian Society to His Will," 27 Mar. 2018
The amendment also inserted Xi's personal political philosophy into the preamble of the constitution and phrasing that emphasizes the leadership of the ruling Communist Party.

— christopher bodeen, chicagotribune.com, "China makes historic move to allow Xi to rule indefinitely," 11 Mar. 2018
Without preamble, and with extraordinary understatement, the distant blue line slowly sliced across the small island.

— Longreads, "The Quest for the Collision Zone: An Arctic Expedition," 12 Mar. 2018
Some find the beginning of Zagitova’s routine — limited to spins, footwork and choreography — to be a tedious preamble.

— jerÉ longman and victor mather, New York Times, "Figure Skating: Alina Zagitova Wins Russia’s First Gold Medal," 24 Feb. 2018
The current constitution mentions the leading role of the party only in its preamble.

— The Economist, "Back to the old daysXi Jinping decides to abolish presidential term limits," 1 Mar. 2018
These are signs Texas anglers look for as preamble to the coming of the spring fishing season.

— shannon tompkins, Houston Chronicle, "Houston Fishing Show means spring is near," 28 Feb. 2018
The new draft amendments to China’s Constitution, which include abolishing the term limits as well adding Xi’s signature political treatise to the Constitution’s preamble, were apparently approved by the Communist Party a month ago.

— chas danner, Daily Intelligencer, "China Poised to Eliminate Presidential Term Limits," 25 Feb. 2018
Some find the beginning of Zagitova's routine — limited to spins, footwork and choreography — to be a tedious preamble.

— Anchorage Daily News, "Figure skater Alina Zagitova wins Russia’s first gold medal," 23 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'preamble.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of preamble

Middle English, from Middle French preambule, from Medieval Latin preambulum, from Late Latin, neuter of praeambulus walking in front of, from Latin prae- + ambulare to walk

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

preamble Synonyms

PREAMBLE Defined for English Language Learners

preamble

noun

Definition of preamble for English Language Learners

: a statement that is made at the beginning of something (such as a legal document) and usually gives the reasons for the parts that follow
: something that comes before and leads to something else

PREAMBLE Defined for Kids

preamble

noun pre·am·ble \ ˈprē-ˌam-bəl \

Definition of preamble for Students

: an introduction (as to a law) that often gives the reasons for what follows

Law Dictionary

preamble

noun pre·am·ble \ ˈprē-ˌam-bəl, prē-ˈam- \

legal Definition of preamble

: an introductory statement (as to a contract); especially : the introductory part of a constitution or statute that usually states the reasons for and intent of the law

Note: While preambles do not state law and therefore are not judicially enforceable, they are used to determine legislative intent when interpreting statutes.

Origin and Etymology of preamble

Middle French preambule, from Medieval Latin preambulum, from Late Latin, neuter of preambulus walking in front of, from Latin prae- + ambulare to walk