preamble

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

|Updated on: 31 May 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

At present the party’s role is mentioned only in the preamble.

— The Economist, "Ruler for lifeChina’s leader, Xi Jinping, will be allowed to reign forever," 26 Feb. 2018
Yeahs segues into their dance floor-ready electronic offerings; a perfect preamble to LCD.

— eve barlow, Billboard, "LCD Soundsystem Vs. Yeah Yeah Yeahs Revives 2003's NYC Sound in Los Angeles," 5 May 2018
Finally, after an extended preamble, Trump sits down at a large desk surrounded by the Utah delegation.

— abe streep, Outside Online, "The Tribes v. Donald Trump," 1 May 2018
The most mundane exchange, these days, demands some texty preamble.

— SI.com, "In Oakland, Jon Gruden Is Ready to Grind," 19 Feb. 2018
It was widely viewed as a preamble to the campaign.

— marc santora, New York Times, "Orban Campaigns on Fear, With Hungary’s Democracy at Stake," 7 Apr. 2018
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

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

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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