preamble

noun

pre·​am·​ble ˈprē-ˌam-bəl How to pronounce preamble (audio)
prē-ˈam-
1
: an introductory statement
especially : the introductory part of a constitution or statute that usually states the reasons for and intent of the law
2
: an introductory fact or circumstance
especially : one indicating what is to follow

Examples of preamble in a Sentence

The preamble to the U.S. Constitution begins by saying “We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, …”. His early travels were just a preamble to his later adventures.
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.
The definition of preamble is: The introductory part of a statute or deed, stating its purpose, aims, and justification. Jim Weygand, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025 Since the time limit was in the preamble to the amendment and not in the text of the amendment itself - much less the text that the states saw and voted on - the seven-year deadline is not binding: a position that Mr. Biden seemed to take himself. Eva Epker, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025 Proponents argue that the deadline, which appears only in the preamble and not in the amendment's text, is non-binding. Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025 This is just a preamble for James Austin Johnson’s Donald Trump to comment on the first week of his presidency. Andy Hoglund, EW.com, 26 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for preamble 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French preambule, from Medieval Latin preambulum, from Late Latin, neuter of praeambulus walking in front of, from Latin prae- + ambulare to walk

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Dictionary Entries Near preamble

Cite this Entry

“Preamble.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preamble. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

preamble

noun
pre·​am·​ble ˈprē-ˌam-bəl How to pronounce preamble (audio)
prē-ˈam-
1
: an introduction (as to a law) that often gives the reasons for the parts that follow
2
: something that comes before and leads to something else

Legal Definition

preamble

noun
pre·​am·​ble ˈprē-ˌam-bəl, prē-ˈam- How to pronounce preamble (audio)
: an introductory statement (as to a contract)
especially : the introductory part of a constitution or statute that usually states the reasons for and intent of the law

Note: While preambles do not state law and therefore are not judicially enforceable, they are used to determine legislative intent when interpreting statutes.

Etymology

Middle French preambule, from Medieval Latin preambulum, from Late Latin, neuter of preambulus walking in front of, from Latin prae- + ambulare to walk

More from Merriam-Webster on preamble

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!