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

• prelude
• preliminary

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

These preambles separate the wheat from the chaff in terms of Maron’s fans, though, which is the wheat and which is the chaff in skipping in the intros versus listening to them remains to be seen. —Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 2 June 2025

By naming adversaries explicitly in the policy preamble, the administration signals a shift toward greater transparency in threat acknowledgment and a hardening of posture. —Emil Sayegh, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025

The preamble also said that the government had concerns about the administrability of section 45W if the rules required a vehicle-by-vehicle analysis of off-road vehicles. —Marie Sapirie, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025

As a preamble, the exhibit starts with emblematic works such as the Portrait of An Artist (Pool with Two Figures), 1972, and his series of double and single portraits. —Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025

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

Rhymes for preamble

• amble
• bramble
• gamble
• ramble
• scramble

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