preamble
[ pree-am-buh l, pree-am- ]
/ ˈpriˌæm bəl, priˈæm- /
noun
an introductory statement; preface; introduction.
the introductory part of a statute, deed, or the like, stating the reasons and intent of what follows.
a preliminary or introductory fact or circumstance: His childhood in the slums was a preamble to a life of crime.
(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
OTHER WORDS FROM preamble
pre·am·bled, adjectiveWords nearby preamble
Example sentences from the Web for preamble
British Dictionary definitions for preamble
preamble
/ (priːˈæmbəl) /
noun
a preliminary or introductory statement, esp attached to a statute or constitution setting forth its purpose
a preliminary or introductory conference, event, fact, etc
Word Origin for preamble
C14: from Old French
préambule, from Late Latin
praeambulum walking before, from Latin
prae- before +
ambulāre to walk