sequel

noun

se·​quel ˈsē-kwəl How to pronounce sequel (audio)
 also  -ˌkwel
1
2
a
: subsequent development
b
: the next installment (as of a speech or story)
especially : a literary, cinematic, or televised work continuing the course of a story begun in a preceding one

Examples of sequel in a Sentence

The new film is a sequel to the very successful comedy that came out five years ago. He is busy writing the book's sequel. There is an interesting sequel to my date with her that I'll share with you later.
Recent Examples on the Web Some major projects in the works in January included the latest seasons of CBS’ The Equalizer and NBC’s Law & Order SVU, while the sequel to Paramount’s Smile, Smile Deluxe, and Netflix’s limited series Zero Day have also started shooting. Katie Kilkenny, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Mar. 2024 The sequel builds upon the worlds of Arrakis and Giedi Prime, but also introduces Florence Pugh as Princess Irulean, a Bene Gesserit and the daughter of the Emperor (Christopher Walken). Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 6 Mar. 2024 News of the sequel comes one month after the premiere of the seventh and final season of Young Sheldon. Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 6 Mar. 2024 Armed with sandworms, star-power, and a very memorable popcorn receptacle, the epic sci-fi sequel spiced up theaters nationwide, adding up to a massive opening weekend of $81.5 million domestically per Comscore. Shania Russell, EW.com, 3 Mar. 2024 The sequel was primarily financed by Legendary and its production budget, previously reported to be in the $122 million range, is closer to $190 million. Lindsey Bahr, Fortune, 3 Mar. 2024 The sequel beat out the first Dune installment, which opened with $41 million when it was released in domestic theaters in October 2021. Eva Rothenberg, CNN, 3 Mar. 2024 The spicy sequel consequently earned a glowing 94% on review aggregation site Rotten Tomatoes and an A grade from audiences polled by CinemaScore. Christi Carras, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2024 Both of the celebrated young stars continued to praise each other's talents while promoting their new sequel, Dune: Part Two. Zoey Lyttle, Peoplemag, 2 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sequel.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French sequele, from Latin sequela, from sequi to follow — more at sue

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sequel was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near sequel

Cite this Entry

“Sequel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sequel. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

sequel

noun
se·​quel ˈsē-kwəl How to pronounce sequel (audio)
1
: an event that follows or comes afterward : result
2
: a book, motion picture, or television program that continues a story begun in a preceding one
Etymology

Middle English sequel, sequele "follower, series," from early French sequelle (same meaning), from Latin sequella, sequela "follower," from sequi "to follow" — related to consecutive, pursue, second entry 1, sequence

Medical Definition

sequel

noun
se·​quel
ˈsē-kwəl also -ˌkwel
: sequela
gangrene is … a sequel of woundsRobert Chawner

More from Merriam-Webster on sequel

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!