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

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

As her band vamped on the intro to her song “Hot to Go!” on Friday night, Roan surveyed the tens of thousands spread across the leafy grounds surrounding the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 11, 2025

I flipped the TV on just as Arletta Paisley’s intro started up.

From "Hope Springs" by Jaime Berry

Related Words

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