preamble

noun

pre·​am·​ble ˈprē-ˌam-bəl 

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

Synonyms

• curtain-raiser
• overture
• preliminary
• prelude
• prologue
• prolog
• warm-up

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

The preamble Everything seems perfectly normal at a cursory first glance. —Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 16 May 2024

Our fingers are crossed, but that sounds a lot like the preamble of a future review about how yet another attempt to fix a broken system was doomed to fail. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 12 May 2024

Rather, they are shared by citizens and governments around the world, and the UN Charter reaffirms them as fundamental human rights in its preamble. —Olaf Scholz, Foreign Affairs, 5 Dec. 2022

Guests up for the challenge will enter through Bowser’s Castle as the plot preamble unfolds, then board a kart, steering through Mario Kart courses. —Kevin Dolak, The Hollywood Reporter, 2 May 2024

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

Phrases Containing preamble

• without preamble

Kids Definition

preamble

noun

pre·​am·​ble ˈprē-ˌam-bəl 

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- 

: 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