preamble
Americannoun
-
an introductory statement; preface; introduction.
- Antonyms:
- closing, afterword, conclusion, appendix, epilogue
-
the introductory part of a statute, deed, or the like, stating the reasons and intent of what follows.
-
a preliminary or introductory fact or circumstance.
His childhood in the slums was a preamble to a life of crime.
-
(initial capital letter) the introductory statement of the U.S. Constitution, setting forth the general principles of American government and beginning with the words, “We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union. …”
noun
-
a preliminary or introductory statement, esp attached to a statute or constitution setting forth its purpose
-
a preliminary or introductory conference, event, fact, etc
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of preamble
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English preambel, preambile, from Middle French preambule, préamble from Medieval Latin praeambulum, noun use of neuter of Late Latin praeambulus “walking in front”; see pre-, amble
Explanation
A preamble is a brief introduction to a speech, like the Preamble to the Constitution that starts out "We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union...do ordain and establish this Constitution." Preamble comes from the Latin praeambulus which means "walking before." And that's what a preamble does — it "walks" before a speech, often explaining what's coming. It's like the White Rabbit introducing the Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland. Since it goes before a speech, think of it as a pre-ramble. A preamble is usually used for formal documents; you wouldn't include one in a text to your best friend.
Vocabulary lists containing preamble
Walk the Walk: Amb
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"On Women's Right to Vote" by Susan B. Anthony
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100 SAT words Beginning with "P"
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Protesters formed the letters "SOS" on top of a frozen lake in south Minneapolis, while one group marched through the streets carrying a large-scale replica of the Preamble to the US constitution.
From BBC • Jan. 30, 2026
It is also worth noting that Article I is found immediately after the Preamble, to emphasize the importance the Framers placed on the legislature.
From Washington Times • Aug. 16, 2022
Those of broadly progressive convictions regularly invoke the Preamble to our Constitution and its commitment “to form a more perfect Union.”
From Washington Post • Jul. 3, 2022
At one point, I can’t remember why, he recited the Preamble to the Constitution.
From New York Times • Nov. 13, 2019
I was so lost, I even thought about the Preamble to the Constitution.
From "Winger" by Andrew Smith
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
