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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Colbert's on-air tribute to his boss comes three months after it was announced The Late Show will be ending after 10 seasons — a decade after Colbert took over for his predecessor David Letterman. Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025 Emphasizing how experiences are the main attraction for luxury shoppers, Lunelli noted that younger generations, which are less interested in ownership compared to their predecessors, seek experiences too whether that be a concert or traveling the world. Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 17 Oct. 2025 Her tour of the affected states contrasted with the response taken by her predecessor and mentor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, when Hurricane Otis devastated Mexico’s Pacific Coast in 2023. Cristopher Rogel Blanquet, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025 In a supporting document filed by Kalshi in the Nevada case in April, Kalshi head of markets Xavier Sottile noted how ErisX, a predecessor to the current sports prediction market craze, previously butted up against the impartial access issue. Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 16 Oct. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Predecessor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/predecessor. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on predecessor

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!