introduction

noun

in·​tro·​duc·​tion ˌin-trə-ˈdək-shən How to pronounce introduction (audio)
1
: something that introduces: such as
a(1)
: a part of a book or treatise preliminary to the main portion
(2)
: a preliminary treatise or course of study
b
: a short introductory musical passage
2
: the act or process of introducing : the state of being introduced
3
: a putting in : insertion
4
: something introduced
specifically : a new or exotic plant or animal

Examples of introduction in a Sentence

the introduction of telephone service to the area Since its introduction last year, over a million copies of the software have been sold. the introduction of evidence at the trial the introduction of a new topic for conversation the introduction of the bill to Congress She told the audience, by way of introduction, that the research was completed a year ago. the introduction of an Asian plant species to America After a brief introduction, the performer took the stage.
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.
Scenes start, jarringly, without introduction or fanfare, as though we’ve been vaulted into the action; the plot resists all attempts by the viewer to impose any kind of order. Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 8 Nov. 2025 The tension was so palpable that one bidder wouldn’t even let Bacs finish his introduction of the timepiece from the podium. Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 8 Nov. 2025 OutKast received a sprawling introduction from Donald Glover, who grew up listening to OutKast in Atlanta before infusing the group’s influence into his work as Childish Gambino. Mankaprr Conteh, Rolling Stone, 8 Nov. 2025 But that's not exactly how Bode's introduction played out during the special's live taping. Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for introduction

Word History

Etymology

Middle English introduccioun act of introducing, from Anglo-French introduction, from Latin introduction-, introductio, from introducere

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Introduction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/introduction. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

introduction

noun
in·​tro·​duc·​tion ˌin-trə-ˈdək-shən How to pronounce introduction (audio)
1
a
: the action of introducing
b
: something introduced
2
: the part of a book that leads up to and explains what will be found in the main part
3
: a book for beginners in a subject

Medical Definition

introduction

noun
in·​tro·​duc·​tion ˌin-trə-ˈdək-shən How to pronounce introduction (audio)
: an action of putting in or inserting
introduction of contrast material through the catheterScientific American Medicine
introduce transitive verb
introduced; introducing

More from Merriam-Webster on introduction

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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