introduction

noun

in·​tro·​duc·​tion ˌin-trə-ˈdək-shən 

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

Synonyms

• exordium
• foreword
• intro
• preamble
• preface
• prelude
• proem
• prologue
• prolog
• prolusion

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

Four years later, in 1965, activists marching from Selma to Montgomery to demand voting rights persisted despite terrorist violence, their bloody example inspiring the introduction of the Voting Rights Act to Congress by Lyndon Johnson. —Donovan X. Ramsey, Rolling Stone, 14 Apr. 2024

The Senate voted 33-0 for Senate Resolution 10 by Sen. Breanne Davis, R-Russellville, to authorize the introduction of a nonappropriation bill to change the state's uniform classification and compensation act. —Michael R. Wickline, arkansasonline.com, 11 Apr. 2024

Her bill was co-sponsored by Casey and Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and follows the introduction of a House bill in January. —Michael Laris, Washington Post, 11 Apr. 2024

The book, which became a bestseller, featured Simpson’s original manuscript but with an introduction by the Goldmans, who viewed the story as Simpson’s confession. —Elaine Woo, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2024

The 8-mile Bonita Canyon Drive provides an excellent introduction to the monument. —Roger Naylor, The Arizona Republic, 11 Apr. 2024

But, in the entertainment industry, the introduction of ChatGPT upended the 2023 collective bargaining negotiations between the major motion picture companies and the unions representing writers, directors and actors. —Dan Stone, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Apr. 2024

Maddux praised Bradford’s preparedness before the team’s series finale against the Houston Astros as well as the introduction of a curveball into his arsenal. —Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Apr. 2024

Research published in 2015 showed early introduction to peanut foods can reduce the chance of allergy development in kids who are at high risk, and several U.S. guidelines suggest exposing high-risk children to peanuts as early as 4 months. —CBS News, 9 Apr. 2024

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

Kids Definition

introduction

noun

in·​tro·​duc·​tion ˌin-trə-ˈdək-shən 

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 

: an action of putting in or inserting

introduction of contrast material through the catheter

—Scientific American Medicine

introduce

-ˈd(y)üs 

transitive verb

introduced; introducing