preamble

noun

pre·​am·​ble ˈprē-ˌam-bəl 

prē-ˈam-

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

• curtain-raiser
• overture
• preliminary
• prelude
• prologue
• prolog
• warm-up

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 radicals who would rise to the top of the revolution, most of them frustrated lawyers and journalists, had justified their coup with pamphlets and legal preambles. —Dominic Green, WSJ, 10 Nov. 2023

This is all explained in a brief, cable-newsy preamble, before the viewer is plunged into the middle of a conflict that practically never lets up. —David Sims, The Atlantic, 27 Sep. 2023

In the podcast’s preamble, Firestone has an extended bit about how her decision to self-publish the book and the podcast was driven by the fact that nobody wanted it. —Vulture, 21 Sep. 2023

There was an additional question to insert a preamble to the Constitution that would recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the original inhabitants of the land. —Karla Grant, refinery29.com, 14 Sep. 2023

The extended preamble leans heavily into that idea, before suggesting Allen might be the franchise’s emotional center as well. —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 6 June 2023

Not just the act itself, but the preamble, the all-important discussion and negotiation of who will be the receptive partner. —Philip Ellis, Men's Health, 13 Aug. 2023

Google deleted the phrase only from the preamble to its code of conduct, and Walker does not oversee public relations. —Gerrit De Vynck, Washington Post, 9 Aug. 2023

The title, the questions asked, and the preamble, by contributor Virginia Heffernan, have drawn mockery. —Jeremy Lott, Washington Examiner, 1 June 2023

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Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing preamble

• without preamble

• without preamble

Kids Definition

preamble

noun

pre·​am·​ble ˈprē-ˌam-bəl 

prē-ˈam-

1

: an introduction (as to a law) that often gives the reasons for the parts that follow

2

: something that comes before and leads to something else

Legal Definition

preamble

noun

pre·​am·​ble ˈprē-ˌam-bəl, prē-ˈam- 

: 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.

Etymology

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