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 of preamble

• 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

Or a slightly shorter series that dispensed with the preamble, but gave the real meat of the story more room to breathe? —Alison Herman, Variety, 26 Mar. 2026

The preamble The game had been simmering for a while. —Jack Lang, New York Times, 9 Mar. 2026

Enough preamble from me; let’s get into his reporting. —Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2026

In addition, this rule finalizes some of the amendments that were proposed on January 16, 2025, to fix incorrect regulatory text citations as well as clarify and add provisions in the regulatory text to match the language included in the preamble. —Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026

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