prequel

noun

pre·​quel ˈprē-kwəl 

: 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

Schifrin made a cameo appearance in Red Dragon, a prequel film to Hannibal and The Silence of the Lambs, as an orchestra conductor in 2002. —Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 27 June 2025

When auditioning for the role of a younger Haymitch in the upcoming Hunger Games prequel film, Sunrise on the Reaping, Joseph Zada had some competition. —Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 26 June 2025

Best known for starring in CBS’ Big Bang Theory prequel Young Sheldon, which finished its seven-season run last year, Armitage’s other credits include Big Little Lies, Destin Daniel Cretton’s The Glass Castle, and PAW Patrol: The Movie. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 26 June 2025

The part was later recast with Liam McIntyre leading the charge for two more seasons — separate from prequel Gods of the Arena miniseries. —EW.com, 26 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

pre- + -quel (as in sequel)

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for prequel

• equal
• sequel
• coequal
• subequal
• unequal