diff --git a/docs/src/main/sphinx/routines.md b/docs/src/main/sphinx/routines.md
index 42e5b202a794..541608d529d2 100644
--- a/docs/src/main/sphinx/routines.md
+++ b/docs/src/main/sphinx/routines.md
@@ -1,7 +1,9 @@
 # SQL routines
 
 A SQL routine is a custom, user-defined function authored by a user of Trino in
-a client and written in SQL. More details are available in the following sections:
+a client and written in the SQL routine language. Routines are scalar functions
+that return a single output value. More details are available in the following
+sections:
 
 ```{toctree}
 :maxdepth: 1
diff --git a/docs/src/main/sphinx/routines/introduction.md b/docs/src/main/sphinx/routines/introduction.md
index f444c29374a2..b6fb55d05631 100644
--- a/docs/src/main/sphinx/routines/introduction.md
+++ b/docs/src/main/sphinx/routines/introduction.md
@@ -1,9 +1,13 @@
 # Introduction to SQL routines
 
 A SQL routine is a custom, user-defined function authored by a user of Trino and
-written in the SQL routine language. You can declare the routine body within a
-[](/routines/function) block as [inline routines](routine-inline) or [catalog
-routines](routine-catalog).
+written in the SQL routine language. Routines are scalar functions that return a
+single output value, similar to [built-in functions](/functions).
+
+[Declare the routine](routine-declaration) with a `FUNCTION` definition using
+the supported SQL routine statements. A routine can be declared and used as an
+[inline routine](routine-inline) or declared as a [catalog
+routine](routine-catalog) and used repeatedly.
 
 (routine-inline)=
 ## Inline routines
@@ -88,6 +92,7 @@ Use the [](/connector/memory) in a catalog for simple storing and
 testing of your SQL routines.
 :::
 
+(routine-declaration)=
 ## Routine declaration
 
 Refer to the documentation for the [](/routines/function) keyword for more