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intro

n. · v.
US //ˈɪntɹoʊ// in·tro
  1. 1 opening of a song or video (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal

    the first part of a song, video, or podcast that sets the mood before the main part starts.

    the opening sequence or introductory section of a musical composition, video, or broadcast.

    Example

    The song has a long piano intro before the singer starts.

    Example

    The YouTuber spent several hours editing a high-energy intro to grab the audience's attention within the first five seconds.

    Usage

    Often used as a countable noun in creative and technical contexts.
  2. 2 general introduction (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal

    a short way of saying introduction, like when you meet someone or start a talk.

    a casual clipping of 'introduction' used to describe the act of presenting someone or something for the first time.

    Example

    I missed the speaker's intro, so I didn't catch her name.

    Example

    After a brief intro from the host, the guest began her presentation on renewable energy.

    Teacher's tip

    While common in speech, students should use the full word 'introduction' in academic or professional writing.
  3. 3 to introduce (v.)
    C1 Advanced Informal Slang

    to introduce someone or something to an audience.

    to perform an introduction, particularly in a media or performance context. Transitive — requires a direct object.

    Example

    The DJ is about to intro the next track.

    Example

    The host will intro the keynote speaker before the main event begins.

    Usage

    Usually used in the context of broadcasting, music, or live events.
Origin

Clipping of introduction, from Latin intrōductiō (“lead-in, introduction”) – the abbreviation removes the second part of the compound; the first part ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *h₁énteros (“inner, what is inside”). The demoscene sense comes from the fact that they were originally prepended to pirated copies of computer games.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Last updated June 20, 2026