sequel

noun

se·​quel ˈsē-kwəl How to pronounce sequel (audio)
 also  -ˌkwel
1
2
a
: subsequent development
b
: the next installment (as of a speech or story)
especially : a literary, cinematic, or televised work continuing the course of a story begun in a preceding one

Examples of sequel in a Sentence

The new film is a sequel to the very successful comedy that came out five years ago. He is busy writing the book's sequel. There is an interesting sequel to my date with her that I'll share with you later.
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.
In this sequel, Sam has published her first novel to critical acclaim, but the Bunnies aren’t happy with the way they’ve been portrayed. Literary Hub july 1, Literary Hub, 1 July 2025 Entertainment Weekly has exclusively learned that the Entourage star will not be in the sequel, two sources familiar with the situation reveal. EW.com, 30 June 2025 Gadot would go on to play Diana Prince in the 2020 Wonder Woman 1984 sequel and have a cameo in 2023’s Shazam! Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 30 June 2025 Additionally, the studio had announced that Andrew Stanton, the Oscar-winning director of such hits as Finding Nemo and WALL-E, would helm Toy Story 5, the latest installment for Pixar’s highest-grossing franchise as the studio continues to prioritize sequels of its flagship characters. Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for sequel

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French sequele, from Latin sequela, from sequi to follow — more at sue

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sequel was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sequel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sequel. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

sequel

noun
se·​quel ˈsē-kwəl How to pronounce sequel (audio)
1
: an event that follows or comes afterward : result
2
: a book, motion picture, or television program that continues a story begun in a preceding one
Etymology

Middle English sequel, sequele "follower, series," from early French sequelle (same meaning), from Latin sequella, sequela "follower," from sequi "to follow" — related to consecutive, pursue, second entry 1, sequence

Medical Definition

sequel

noun
se·​quel
ˈsē-kwəl also -ˌkwel
: sequela
gangrene is … a sequel of woundsRobert Chawner

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