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

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

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