preface

1 of 2

noun

pref·​ace ˈpre-fəs 

1

often capitalized : 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

Noun

• introduction
• foreword

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

Or at least that is what Thorkelín said in the preface to his edition, when it was finally published in 1815 (along with a Latin translation). —Literary Hub, 10 Oct. 2025

And to preface, these are optional. —Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Oct. 2025

Verb

Luckie interrupted a reporter who prefaced a question by observing that Stockton may not throw the prettiest pass, or the hardest pass. —Seth Emerson, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025

Graham prefaces their interview with DiMassa with a recollection of the pair’s first meeting, in the parking lot of the Bridgeport train station. —Jo Livingstone, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025

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 1

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