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

The volume collects work from the last decade, each with a brief preface from the author, giving us a puncture of the present into her words of the past. —Literary Hub, 9 Apr. 2026

The preface by historian Abul Fazl frames the work as a reconciliatory project. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Apr. 2026

Verb

Danielson prefaced that comment by saying that programs had called him to gauge his possible interest in coaching elsewhere. —Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 21 Apr. 2026

Earlier in their conversation, Mulaney prefaced that Forte often enjoyed pulling gags that seemed to prank himself rather than the other person. —Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Apr. 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