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

From their introduction in the 1800s to their peak in the mid-20th century, these majestic vessels embodied innovation, luxury, and national pride. —David Nikel, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025

Thankfully, the film dials up its energy (only briefly) with the introduction of Paz (a truly captivating Arta Gee), the non-binary manager of the couple’s vacation rental. —Tomris Laffly, Variety, 14 Mar. 2025

And for those keen to sharpen their botanical know-how, sign up for one of the garden’s many programs, from an introduction to ikebana to meditative botanical drawing classes. —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 14 Mar. 2025

The Midwestern military veteran mostly won high marks for his 2020 White House campaign, which amounted to an introduction to national voters. —Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 13 Mar. 2025

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

Rhymes for introduction

• coproduction
• deconstruction
• liposuction
• misconstruction
• postproduction
• preconstruction
• preproduction
• reconstruction
• reproduction
• abduction
• adduction
• conduction

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