introduction

noun

in·​tro·​duc·​tion ˌin-trə-ˈdək-shən How to pronounce introduction (audio)
Synonyms of introductionnext
1
: something that introduces: such as
a(1)
: a part of a book or treatise preliminary to the main portion
(2)
: a preliminary treatise or course of study
b
: a short introductory musical passage
2
: the act or process of introducing : the state of being introduced
3
: a putting in : insertion
4
: something introduced
specifically : a new or exotic plant or animal

Synonyms of introduction

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Examples of introduction in a Sentence

the introduction of telephone service to the area Since its introduction last year, over a million copies of the software have been sold. the introduction of evidence at the trial the introduction of a new topic for conversation the introduction of the bill to Congress She told the audience, by way of introduction, that the research was completed a year ago. the introduction of an Asian plant species to America After a brief introduction, the performer took the stage.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Travis, 36, cheered throughout the introduction and clapped in support of their special guest. — Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026 But the rub this time is the introduction of Varang (Oona Chaplin), an unhinged leader of a tribe who allies herself with human villains. — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 3 July 2026 He was given a loud ovation during Saturday’s player introductions in his first NBA game before Jazz fans in Utah. — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 5 July 2026 Early introductions significantly reduce aggression between males and females, leading to more successful breeding outcomes. — Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for introduction

Word History

Etymology

Middle English introduccioun act of introducing, from Anglo-French introduction, from Latin introduction-, introductio, from introducere

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Rhymes for introduction

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Browse Nearby Words

introduct
introduction
introductive
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Cite this Entry

“Introduction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/introduction. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

introduction

noun
in·​tro·​duc·​tion ˌin-trə-ˈdək-shən How to pronounce introduction (audio)
1
a
: the action of introducing
b
: something introduced
2
: the part of a book that leads up to and explains what will be found in the main part
3
: a book for beginners in a subject

Medical Definition

introduction

noun
in·​tro·​duc·​tion ˌin-trə-ˈdək-shən How to pronounce introduction (audio)
: an action of putting in or inserting
introduction of contrast material through the catheter—Scientific American Medicine
introduce
-ˈd(y)üs How to pronounce introduction (audio)
transitive verb
introduced; introducing

More from Merriam-Webster on introduction

Nglish: Translation of introduction for Spanish Speakers

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