preamble

/ˌpriˈæmbəl/

/ˈpriæmbəl/

Other forms: preambles; preambled; preambling

A preamble is a brief introduction to a speech, like the Preamble to the Constitution that starts out "We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union...do ordain and establish this Constitution."

Preamble comes from the Latin praeambulus which means "walking before." And that's what a preamble does — it "walks" before a speech, often explaining what's coming. It's like the White Rabbit introducing the Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland. Since it goes before a speech, think of it as a pre-ramble. A preamble is usually used for formal documents; you wouldn't include one in a text to your best friend.

Definitions of preamble

1. noun

   a preliminary introduction to a statute or constitution (usually explaining its purpose)
   type of:

   introduction

   the first section of a communication
2. verb

   make a preliminary introduction, usually to a formal document
   type of:

   introduce, precede, preface, premise

   furnish with a preface or introduction