predecessor

noun

pre·​de·​ces·​sor ˈpre-də-ˌse-sər How to pronounce predecessor (audio)
ˈprē-;
ˌpre-də-ˈse-,
ˌprē- How to pronounce predecessor (audio)
1
: one that precedes
especially : a person who has previously occupied a position or office to which another has succeeded
2
archaic : ancestor

Examples of predecessor in a Sentence

Today's computers are much faster than their predecessors were. the once-ubiquitous typewriter was the predecessor of today's electronic keyboard
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Where his predecessors made their names aligning with Colombian elites, Petro acted as a renegade and started his own political party. Justin Worland/bogotá, TIME, 29 Oct. 2024 Lively, fun and full of some genuinely endearing magical moments, the new Disney series has the potential of standing just as prominently as its predecessor. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 29 Oct. 2024 His approach to combatting climate change involves no carbon taxes or credits—another major departure, not just from his predecessors but also from the policies of many other countries. Nicholas Lemann, The New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2024 His predecessors Edo de Waart, Andreas Delfs, Zdenek Macal and Lukas Foss served 8, 12, 9 and 5 seasons, respectively. Jim Higgins, Journal Sentinel, 25 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for predecessor 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English predecessour, from Anglo-French predecessur, from Late Latin praedecessor, from Latin prae- pre- + decessor retiring governor, from decedere to depart, retire from office — more at decease

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of predecessor was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near predecessor

Cite this Entry

“Predecessor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/predecessor. Accessed 11 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

predecessor

noun
pre·​de·​ces·​sor ˈpred-ə-ˌses-ər How to pronounce predecessor (audio) ˈprēd- How to pronounce predecessor (audio)
: one that precedes
especially : a person who has held a position or office before another
Etymology

Middle English predecessour "predecessor," from early French predecesseur (same meaning), from Latin praedecessor "one that goes before," from prae- "before, pre-," and decessor "retiring governor," from decedere "to depart," from de- "from" and cedere "to go, go away" — related to ancestor, concede

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