pre-am-ble n -s [ME, fr MF preambule, fr. ML preambulum, fr. LL, neut. of preambulus walking in front, fr. L prae- pre- + -ambulus (fr. ambulare to walk)] 1: an introductory part (as to a book, document) : INTRODUCTION, PREFACE; specif : the introductory part of a statute, ordinance, or regulation that states the reasons and intent of the law or regulation or is used for other explanatory purposes (as to recite fact knowledge of which is necessary to an understanding of the law or to define or limit the meanings of words used in the law) 2: an introductory fact or circumstance : PRELIMINARY; esp : one that gives indication of what is to follow