preface

1 of 2

noun

pref·​ace ˈpre-fəs 

1

often Preface : a variable doxology beginning with the Sursum Corda and ending with the Sanctus in traditional eucharistic liturgies

2

: the introductory remarks of a speaker or author

3

: approach, preliminary

preface

2 of 2

verb

prefaced; prefacing

intransitive verb

: to make introductory remarks

transitive verb

1

: to say or write as preface

a note prefaced to the manuscript

2

: precede, herald

3

: to introduce by or begin with a preface

4

: to stand in front of

a porch prefaces the entrance

5

: to be a preliminary to

prefacer noun

Synonyms of preface

Noun

• introduction
• foreword
• prologue

Examples of preface in a Sentence

Noun

The book's preface was written by the author.

a noted critic has written a short preface to her story to explain some of the historical background

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Colbert opened his Monday night broadcast with a preface in light of Reiner’s death, as well as the shootings at Bondi Beach and Brown University. —Jack Dunn, Variety, 16 Dec. 2025

This excerpt includes the book’s preface and the lyrics and commentaries for six songs. —John Darnielle, Rolling Stone, 11 Dec. 2025

Verb

Don’t… sound off in press conferences United have had their fill of head coaches whose media appearances were characterised by blunt-force assaults, one of which ultimately prefaced Amorim (who had previously suggested his squad was the worst in United’s history) getting sacked. —Chris McKenna, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026

Mamdani prefaced, holding court at Samson Stages alongside speaker of the New York City Council Julie Menin and referencing his time as a former production assistant himself. —Erik Hayden, HollywoodReporter, 12 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin prephatia, alteration of Latin praefation-, praefatio foreword, from praefari to say beforehand, from prae- pre- + fari to say — more at ban entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Verb

1619, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Rhymes for preface

• benefice

Kids Definition

preface

1 of 2 noun

pref·​ace ˈpref-əs 

: a section that introduces a book or a speech

preface

2 of 2 verb

prefaced; prefacing

: to introduce by or begin with a preface

prefaced the talk with a funny story