preamble

[ pree-am-buhl, pree-am- ]
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noun
  1. an introductory statement; preface; introduction.

  2. the introductory part of a statute, deed, or the like, stating the reasons and intent of what follows.

  1. a preliminary or introductory fact or circumstance: His childhood in the slums was a preamble to a life of crime.

  2. (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. …”

Origin of preamble

1
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

Other words for preamble

Opposites for preamble

Other words from preamble

  • preambled, adjective

Words Nearby preamble

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use preamble in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for preamble

preamble

/ (priːˈæmbəl) /


noun
  1. a preliminary or introductory statement, esp attached to a statute or constitution setting forth its purpose

  2. a preliminary or introductory conference, event, fact, etc

Origin of preamble

1
C14: from Old French préambule, from Late Latin praeambulum walking before, from Latin prae- before + ambulāre to walk

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012