1
often Preface
: a variable doxology beginning with the Sursum Corda and ending with the Sanctus in traditional eucharistic liturgies
2
: the introductory remarks of a speaker or author
3
prefaced; prefacing
: to make introductory remarks
1
: to say or write as preface
a note prefaced to the manuscript
3
: to introduce by or begin with a preface
4
: to stand in front of
a porch prefaces the entrance
5
: to be a preliminary to
prefacer
noun
Synonyms of preface
Examples of preface in a Sentence
Noun
The book's preface was written by the author.
a noted critic has written a short preface to her story to explain some of the historical background
Recent Examples on the Web
Bill Swank, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
Colbert opened his Monday night broadcast with a preface in light of Reiner’s death, as well as the shootings at Bondi Beach and Brown University.
—Jack Dunn, Variety, 16 Dec. 2025
Clayton Davis, Variety, 6 Feb. 2026
During Wednesday’s postgame presser, Sampson prefaced his remarks by stressing that his players are competitively compensated through NIL and revenue-sharing.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for preface
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.
Noun
In his preface of the American Legion’s Junior Baseball for 1938 program, Chaillaux noted that 500,000 boys participated in Legion ball.
—Bill Swank, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
Colbert opened his Monday night broadcast with a preface in light of Reiner’s death, as well as the shootings at Bondi Beach and Brown University.
—Jack Dunn, Variety, 16 Dec. 2025
Verb
Hawke arrived daily with ideas, often prefaced with self-deprecation.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 6 Feb. 2026
During Wednesday’s postgame presser, Sampson prefaced his remarks by stressing that his players are competitively compensated through NIL and revenue-sharing.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for preface
Cite this Entry
“Preface.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preface. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
preface
1 of 2 noun
pref·ace
ˈpref-əs 
: a section that introduces a book or a speech
preface
2 of 2 verb
prefaced; prefacing
: to introduce by or begin with a preface
prefaced the talk with a funny story
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
