intro

¹ American  

[in-troh] / ˈɪn troʊ /

noun

Informal.

plural

intros

1. an introduction.

2. the introductory passage of a piece for a jazz or dance band.

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intro- ² American  

1. a prefix, meaning “inwardly,” “within,” occurring in loanwords from Latin (introspection ); occasionally used in the formation of new words (introjection ).

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intro. ³ American  

Or introd

abbreviation

1. introduce.

2. introduced.

3. introducing.

4. introduction.

5. introductory.

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intro. ¹ British  

abbreviation

1. introduction

2. introductory

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intro ² British  

/ ˈɪntrəʊ /

noun

1. informal short for introduction

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intro- ³ British  

prefix

1. in, into, or inward

   introvert

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Etymology

Origin of intro¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; shortening of introduction

Origin of intro-²

< Latin, representing intrō (adv.) inwardly, within

Explanation

An intro is the opening section of a piece of music, usually before the singing begins. Often when you hear a pop song's intro, it's so familiar that you'll recognize it immediately. There are intros in popular music, as well as other musical styles, and a book or essay can have an intro as well, a few paragraphs or pages setting up the ideas to follow. Another kind of intro is when you formally present, or introduce, a person to a group or an individual. In fact, intro is a casual shorthand for introduction, from the Latin introductionem, "a leading in."

Example Sentences

After Carpenter finished a rendition of Juno, Madonna emerged while the intro of Vogue played out and dancers struck a pose.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

“She was born under a full moon in the arms of mother nature. The jaguars taught her to run, the birds to fly,” her intro video intoned.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

The jukebox remains associated with early rock ’n’ roll, and the iconic sitcom “Happy Days” rolls its intro and credits over a jukebox while teenagers dance.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 14, 2026

That persistent harmonica intro or, god-forbid, his later forays into doo-wop were an eternal annoyance, part of the reason he started looking for some alternative in the first place.

From Salon • Dec. 14, 2025

It was the intro to Kaira DeLeon’s biggest hit.

From "Small Steps" by Louis Sachar

Related Words

• addition
• debut
• establishment
• inauguration
• influx
• initiation
• installation
• launch
• opening
• preface
• presentation