noun

preamble

PREE-am-buhl

Preamble (noun) means an introductory statement placed at the start of a document, law or constitution that explains its purpose and the reasoning behind it. Example: “The Preamble to the US Constitution begins "We the People".”

noun

An introductory statement placed at the start of a document, law or constitution that explains its purpose and the reasoning behind it.

"The Preamble to the US Constitution begins "We the People"."

"The treaty's preamble sets out the principles both governments agreed to uphold."

Introductory remarks or delay before someone gets to the main point of what they are saying.

"She launched into the bad news without preamble."

"After ten minutes of preamble he finally named a price."

How to Use Preamble

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe bit at the beginning that explains what is coming and why.

When to use it

Neutral. The legal-document sense is formal; "without preamble" is a common set phrase in ordinary writing.

Memory tip

Stress falls on the first syllable: PREE-am-buhl.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

preamble vs preface preamble vs amble

Common pairings

without preamble the preamble to the constitution brief preamble preamble states

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ to the US Constitution begins "We the People".

Etymology

From Latin praeambulus "walking in front", from prae- "before" + ambulare "to walk", reaching English through Old French preambule.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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introduction foreword prologue preface opening preliminaries lead-in build-up

Antonyms

conclusion epilogue

Related Words

first end chance decision opening opportunity finish window

Rhymes for preamble

amble gamble ramble scramble unscramble

See all rhymes for preamble →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a preamble and a preface?

A preamble is part of the document itself and usually states its purpose or guiding principles, as in a law or constitution. A preface sits outside the main work and is written about it, often explaining how the book came to be. A preamble carries legal or formal weight; a preface rarely does.

Is a preamble legally binding?

Usually not on its own. A preamble states purpose and intent rather than enforceable rules, but courts often read it to work out what the operative clauses were meant to achieve.

What does "without preamble" mean?

It means someone got straight to the point with no introduction or throat-clearing first.

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