preamble

noun

pre·​am·​ble ˈprē-ˌam-bəl How to pronounce preamble (audio)
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

Examples of preamble in a Sentence

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 The preamble mused that one approach might be to increase the 50 percent requirement incrementally. Marie Sapirie, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024 For much of its 90 minutes, Mansa Ra’s play, which is making its D.C.-area premiere at 1st Stage after starting at the Old Globe in San Diego, feels like an extended preamble: a rotisserie of backstory larded with forgettable facts. Rhoda Feng, Washington Post, 6 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for preamble 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'preamble.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of preamble was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near preamble

Cite this Entry

“Preamble.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preamble. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

preamble

noun
pre·​am·​ble ˈprē-ˌam-bəl How to pronounce preamble (audio)
prē-ˈam-
1
: an introduction (as to a law) that often gives the reasons for the parts that follow
2
: something that comes before and leads to something else

Legal Definition

preamble

noun
pre·​am·​ble ˈprē-ˌam-bəl, prē-ˈam- How to pronounce preamble (audio)
: 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.

Etymology

Middle French preambule, from Medieval Latin preambulum, from Late Latin, neuter of preambulus walking in front of, from Latin prae- + ambulare to walk

More from Merriam-Webster on preamble

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