prequel

noun

pre·​quel ˈprē-kwəl 

: a work (such as a novel or a play) whose story precedes that of an earlier work

… the real payoff will be for the next Star Wars, an expected prequel to the previous three movies.

—Laurence Hooper

Examples of prequel in a Sentence

His next film will be a prequel to last year's hit movie.

Recent Examples on the Web

The streamer has officially ordered a live-action prequel series to its massive sci-fi hit (see announcement video below). — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 6 Nov. 2026

This came about after co-writing a number of prequels and sequels to Frank Herbert’s sci-fi masterwork Dune alongside the author’s son, Brian Herbert. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 3 Nov. 2026

The upcoming project, penned by Mann and author Meg Gardiner based on their 2022 novel, will serve as a prequel. — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Nov. 2026

Dornan spoke to L’Officiel (translated by Slash Film) about taking on the role and playing a younger version in the prequel. — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 28 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

pre- + -quel (as in sequel)

First Known Use

1922, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for prequel

• equal
• sequel
• coequal
• subequal
• unequal