preamble

noun

pre·​am·​ble ˈprē-ˌam-bəl How to pronounce preamble (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Touches five and six are merely the cajoling preamble to the pièce de résistance, aka touch seven, a piercing through ball which splits defender Goncalo Inacio and backtracking forward Geny Catamo like a warm bread knife through a ciabatta roll straight out of Mama’s oven. Tim Spiers, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025 His victory in November was widely seen as a preamble to deregulation, with broadcasters set to benefit. Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2025 Sometimes Lucian would call Bella at midnight and propose going out for dinner without the preamble of art. Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025 If this preamble put the audience in a headspace to reflect on the mortality of this legendary performer, The Christophers kept them there. Joe Reid, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for preamble

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of preamble was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Preamble.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preamble. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

preamble

noun
pre·​am·​ble ˈprē-ˌam-bəl How to pronounce preamble (audio)
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- How to pronounce preamble (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on preamble

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