prequel

noun

pre·​quel ˈprē-kwəl How to pronounce prequel (audio)
: a work (such as a novel or a play) whose story precedes that of an earlier work

Examples of prequel in a Sentence

His next film will be a prequel to last year's hit movie.
Recent Examples on the Web In the prequel, which is set to debut in theaters on May 24, Taylor-Joy will a young version of the fan-favorite character. Brendan Le, Peoplemag, 10 Mar. 2024 Grande will be playing Glinda in the prequel to The Wonderful Wizard of Oz alongside British actor and singer Cynthia Erivo. Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2024 However, that acclaim didn't carry over when Lucas released his Star Wars prequel trilogy. Ew Staff, EW.com, 9 Mar. 2024 The First Shadow is set up as a prequel to the Netflix television series, with younger versions of the characters from the television series, including Winona Ryder’s Joyce, Sean Astin’s Bob Newby and David Harbour’s Hopper. Caitlin Huston, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Mar. 2024 Although a prequel, Xiao Xia -1.0, may emerge in the future, recounting her childhood experiences from before the age of 20 to her teenage years, there will not be a Xiao Xia 4.0. Billboard China, Billboard, 6 Mar. 2024 While this is Netflix’s first Broadway credit, the streamer is also a producer on the currently running London production of Stranger Things: The First Shadow, which is a prequel to the Netflix series. Caitlin Huston, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Feb. 2024 Union Station By David Downing Soho Crime: 408 pages, $28 Over the course of seven novels and a prequel, John Russell has played the Nazis, Russians and Americans while trying to hold his family together. Paula L. Woods, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2024 According to Deadline, a Virgin River prequel about Mel’s parents from showrunner Patrick Sean Smith is currently in development at Netflix. Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 26 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'prequel.' 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

pre- + -quel (as in sequel)

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prequel was in 1958

Dictionary Entries Near prequel

Cite this Entry

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

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