The word "preamble" refers to an introductory statement or preliminary explanation that usually comes before a main document or speech. It sets the context or purpose and provides background information for what follows. For example, the preamble of the U.S. Constitution outlines the reasons for the document and the intentions behind its creation.
The term "preamble" comes from the Latin word "preambulare," which means "to walk before." It is derived from "prae-" meaning "before" and "ambulare" meaning "to walk."