preamble

noun

pre·am·ble | \ ˈprē-ˌam-bəl

, prē-ˈam- \

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

Synonyms Example Sentences Phrases Containing preamble Learn More About preamble

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 on the Web The attack on the TV tower appears to be a preamble to a full-scale Russian attack on Kyiv. — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 1 Mar. 2022 And lo, the Bachelor does at last reveal all — though not without an ominous preamble. — Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 9 Mar. 2022 Popovich asked in Miami on Saturday, playfully interrupting a reporter’s preamble that everyone in the room knew was leading to a question about the NBA’s record books. — Mike Finger, San Antonio Express-News, 28 Feb. 2022 The multi-episode buildup to the tape’s distribution is slow, but so full of dread that the long preamble is forgivable. — Washington Post, 2 Feb. 2022 Didion felt that the center of society wasn’t holding back then—but that era seems like a mere preamble to the unraveling that’s happening now. — Lesley M.m. Blume, Town & Country, 5 Jan. 2022 For viewers unaware of the outside Witcher world, the series’s introduction of faces and places with little preamble, and the recurring use of certain terms and phrases without much explanation, is a disconcerting stumbling block. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 17 Dec. 2021 The order's preamble and Wheeler himself, however, focused on homeless people living in tents and other structures. — Jason Hanna And Andy Rose, CNN, 5 Feb. 2022 For the entire preamble and final rule issued by CMS, click here. — Alan Gassman, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2021 See More

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.

Learn More About preamble

Dictionary Entries Near preamble

preagricultural

preamble

preambular

Statistics for preamble

Last Updated

15 Apr 2022

Cite this Entry

“Preamble.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preamble. Accessed 28 May. 2022.

Style: MLA

MLA

Chicago

APA

Merriam-Webster Check Mark Icon

More Definitions for preamble

preamble

noun

pre·am·ble | \ ˈprē-ˌam-bəl

Kids Definition of preamble

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

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.