introductory
Americanadjective
adjective
Related Words
See preliminary.
Other Word Forms
- introductorily adverb
- introductoriness noun
- subintroductive adjective
- subintroductory adjective
- unintroductive adjective
- unintroductory adjective
Etymology
Origin of introductory
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Late Latin intrōductōrius, equivalent to Latin intrōduc-, variant stem of intrōdūcere ( introduce ) + -tōrius -tory 1
Explanation
Something introductory prefaces or explains what comes after it. An introductory paragraph at the start of your essay will sum up the ideas you plan to discuss. Introductory remarks before a speech will give some basic information about the speaker or her topic, and an introductory scene in a movie sets up the characters, time period, or setting so the story makes sense. This 17th century adjective is from the Latin word introductorius, from introducere, "to lead in," with its roots intro-, "inward," and ducere, "to lead."
Vocabulary lists containing introductory
Lessons 1–2
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Writing - High School
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Purpose
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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.
Those paying out of pocket might find that their discounts have usage caps or introductory offers.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026
After we had scheduled an introductory phone call, she wrote again:
From Salon • Apr. 6, 2026
Powell spoke at a moderated discussion with Harvard’s introductory economics class at Sanders Theatre on Monday afternoon, fielding questions from Harvard economist David Laibson and students in the audience.
From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026
In the introductory remarks at the museum preview, Mr. Gioni noted that the show includes 732 objects whose labels stretch to 65,000 words.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026
The grandfather clock tolled the hour, chiming three times after the introductory melody.
From "Fablehaven" by Brandon Mull
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.
