preamble
noun
pre·am·ble ˈprē-ˌam-bəl 
prē-ˈam-
1
: an introductory statement
especially : the introductory part of a constitution or statute that usually states the reasons for and intent of the law
2
: an introductory fact or circumstance
especially : one indicating what is to follow
Synonyms
- curtain-raiser
- overture
- preliminary
- prelude
- prologue
- prolog
- warm-up
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
The preamble to the U.S. Constitution begins by saying “We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, …”. His early travels were just a preamble to his later adventures.
Recent Examples on the Web Lawyers and allied legal professionals should refresh their recollections of professional purpose by reviewing the preamble to the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct. 
Mark A. Cohen, Forbes, 17 Aug. 2022 Few words in American history are invoked as often as those from the preamble to the Declaration of Independence, published nearly 250 years ago. Hillel Italie, BostonGlobe.com, 3 July 2022 But this long preamble of deliberation and performance anxiety is as essential to the event as the gruesome climax. New York Times, 15 June 2022 The inner office, meanwhile, still lacks the fake marble columns, the preamble to the Constitution written on the wall behind Saul’s desk, and all the other gaudy furnishings to come. Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 17 May 2022 These glitches were just a preamble to the ultimate Elden Ring speedrunning tool: a still-mysterious exploit called zipping. Kyle Orland, Ars Technica, 11 Apr. 2022 The preamble of the resolution points to Purdue’s research and lists national bodies such as the U.S. Department of Defense that have found climate change to be a risk. Sarah Bowman, The Indianapolis Star, 25 Jan. 2022 The attack on the TV tower appears to be a preamble to a full-scale Russian attack on Kyiv. Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 1 Mar. 2022 And lo, the Bachelor does at last reveal all — though not without an ominous preamble. Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 9 Mar. 2022 See More
Mark A. Cohen, Forbes, 17 Aug. 2022 Few words in American history are invoked as often as those from the preamble to the Declaration of Independence, published nearly 250 years ago. Hillel Italie, BostonGlobe.com, 3 July 2022 But this long preamble of deliberation and performance anxiety is as essential to the event as the gruesome climax. New York Times, 15 June 2022 The inner office, meanwhile, still lacks the fake marble columns, the preamble to the Constitution written on the wall behind Saul’s desk, and all the other gaudy furnishings to come. Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 17 May 2022 These glitches were just a preamble to the ultimate Elden Ring speedrunning tool: a still-mysterious exploit called zipping. Kyle Orland, Ars Technica, 11 Apr. 2022 The preamble of the resolution points to Purdue’s research and lists national bodies such as the U.S. Department of Defense that have found climate change to be a risk. Sarah Bowman, The Indianapolis Star, 25 Jan. 2022 The attack on the TV tower appears to be a preamble to a full-scale Russian attack on Kyiv. Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 1 Mar. 2022 And lo, the Bachelor does at last reveal all — though not without an ominous preamble. Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 9 Mar. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Middle French preambule, from Medieval Latin preambulum, from Late Latin, neuter of praeambulus walking in front of, from Latin prae- + ambulare to walk
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Phrases Containing preamble
Kids Definition
preamble
noun
pre·am·ble ˈprē-ˌam-bəl
: an introduction (as to a law) that often gives the reasons for what follows
Legal Definition
preamble
noun
pre·am·ble ˈprē-ˌam-bəl, prē-ˈam-
: an introductory statement (as to a contract)
especially : the introductory part of a constitution or statute that usually states the reasons for and intent of the law
Note: While preambles do not state law and therefore are not judicially enforceable, they are used to determine legislative intent when interpreting statutes.
preamble
noun
1
as in prelude
a performance, activity, or event that precedes and sets the stage for the main event the round of hors d'oeuvres was merely the preamble to an evening of lavish feasting Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- prelude
- prologue
- preliminary
- overture
- prolog
- warm-up
- curtain-raiser
- countdown
- lead-in
- start
- kickoff
- run-up
2
as in preface
a short section (as of a book) that leads to or explains the main part an insightful analysis of the preamble to the Constitution of the United States Synonyms & Similar Words
- preface
- introduction
- foreword
- intro
- prologue
- prelude
- proem
- exordium
- prolog
- beginning
- prolusion
- commencement
- outset
- initiation
- start
- opening
- origin
- origination
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- epilogue
- postscript
- epilog
- conclusion
- envoy
- end
- aftermath
- termination
- closing
- envoi
- finish
- cessation
- stop
- finale
- close
- foulness
- foulnesses
- fouls
- fouls out
- fouls up
- foulsome
- foumart
- foumarts
- found
- found (for or against)
- found fault
- found fault (with)
- found fault with
- found for or against
- found object
- found objects
- found out
- found poem
- found wanting
- foundation
- foundation bed
- Foundation Day
- foundation mat
- foundation member
- foundation planting