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
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
So with all that as a preamble, Sabreena, has the national team lived up to your expectations?
—
Sabreena Merchant, The Athletic, 8 Aug. 2024
But enough with the preamble: Here’s our full account of Eras Night 2 in Miami.
—Florence O'Connor, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2024
For example, the Canadian Pediatric Society’s most recent COVID vaccination guidance fails to even acknowledge the existence of pediatric long COVID, while stating without evidence in its preamble that children were more affected by pandemic disruptions in activities than direct viral effects.
—Blake Murdoch, Scientific American, 18 Oct. 2024
The application of the first productive use rule to fugitive methane and biogas that was floated in the preamble was unpopular with the industry, as evidenced by the comment letters.
—Marie Sapirie, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for preamble 
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Sabreena Merchant, The Athletic, 8 Aug. 2024
But enough with the preamble: Here’s our full account of Eras Night 2 in Miami.
—Florence O'Connor, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2024
For example, the Canadian Pediatric Society’s most recent COVID vaccination guidance fails to even acknowledge the existence of pediatric long COVID, while stating without evidence in its preamble that children were more affected by pandemic disruptions in activities than direct viral effects.
—Blake Murdoch, Scientific American, 18 Oct. 2024
The application of the first productive use rule to fugitive methane and biogas that was floated in the preamble was unpopular with the industry, as evidenced by the comment letters.
—Marie Sapirie, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for preamble
Articles Related to preamble
Dictionary Entries Near preamble
Cite this Entry
“Preamble.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preamble. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
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