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
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.
Readers can expect origin stories and revenge plots in this combination prequel and sequel. Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025 Hoffman has since published two prequels to that book, as well as a 2021 sequel called The Book of Magic. Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 13 Sep. 2025 The vast, sprawling Conjuring franchise, which began back in 2013, has spawned a complex web of sequels, prequels and spin-offs, some of which are loosely based on cases covered by paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025 The Rings of Power, Amazon’s billion-dollar prequel series to Peter Jackson’s award-winning movies, is currently shooting season three. Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prequel

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prequel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prequel. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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