1 [count] : the act of making a person known to others by name — usually plural ▪ Once we finished the introductions [=once everyone was introduced], the meeting began. ▪ I'll make the introductions. [=I'll introduce everyone] 2 [noncount] : the act of introducing something: such as a : the act of bringing something into practice or use for the first time
▪ the introduction of telephone service to the area
b : the act of making a product available for sale for the first time
▪ Since its introduction last year, over a million copies of the software have been sold.
c : the act of presenting something for discussion or consideration
▪ 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.
d : the act of bringing something (such as a plant or animal) to a place for the first time
▪ the introduction of an Asian plant species to America 3 [count] : a statement made to an audience about someone who is about to speak, perform, etc., or something that is about to begin
▪ After a brief introduction, the performer took the stage. ◊A person who needs no introduction is well-known to the audience.
▪ Our speaker this evening needs no introduction. 4 [count] a : the beginning part of a book, essay, speech, etc., that explains what will follow in the main part
▪ Did you read the introduction? ▪ His introduction outlined the main points of the speech.
b : the beginning part of a piece of music 5 [count] : something (such as a book or a course of study) that provides basic information about a subject — + to ▪ The book/course is an introduction to computer programming. 6 [singular] : a person's first experience with something — + to ▪ That concert was my introduction to her music. [=it was the first time I had heard her music] 7 [count] : something that is added or introduced to something else
▪ The plant is a recent introduction from Asia.