First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
preamble
noun pre·am·ble \ˈprē-ˌam-bəl, prē-ˈ\
: a statement that is made at the beginning of something (such as a legal document) and usually gives the reasons for the parts that follow
: something that comes before and leads to something else
Full Definition of PREAMBLE
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
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Origin of PREAMBLE
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
Related to PREAMBLE
- Synonyms
- curtain-raiser, overture, prelude, preliminary, prologue (also prolog), warm-up
Rhymes with PREAMBLE
PREAMBLE Defined for Kids
preamble
noun pre·am·ble \ˈprē-ˌam-bəl\
Definition of PREAMBLE for Kids
: an introduction (as to a law) that often gives the reasons for what follows
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