: a work (such as a novel or a play) whose story precedes that of an earlier work
… the real payoff will be for the next Star Wars, an expected prequel to the previous three movies.—
Laurence Hooper
Laurence HooperExamples of prequel in a Sentence
His next film will be a prequel to last year's hit movie.
Recent Examples on the Web
The exact format – whether a remake, sequel, prequel or an entirely original script built around the source material – has yet to be revealed.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 24 Apr. 2026
Four more films have since been released, including three sequels and one prequel, with another set to premiere in theaters in November this year.
—Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2026
The Hunger Games franchise is gearing up to debut its latest extension, the second prequel, Sunrise on the Reaping, which will trace Haymitch’s time in the Games.
—Mckinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 15 Apr. 2026
More release dates The studio on Tuesday also dated the Oceans prequel starring Margot Robbie and Bradley Cooper for June 25, 2027.
—Justin Kroll, Deadline, 14 Apr. 2026
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Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 24 Apr. 2026
Four more films have since been released, including three sequels and one prequel, with another set to premiere in theaters in November this year.
—Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2026
The Hunger Games franchise is gearing up to debut its latest extension, the second prequel, Sunrise on the Reaping, which will trace Haymitch’s time in the Games.
—Mckinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 15 Apr. 2026
More release dates The studio on Tuesday also dated the Oceans prequel starring Margot Robbie and Bradley Cooper for June 25, 2027.
—Justin Kroll, Deadline, 14 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for prequel
Cite this Entry
“Prequel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prequel. Accessed 29 Apr. 2026.
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