sequel

noun

se·​quel ˈsē-kwəl 

also -ˌkwel

1

: consequence, result

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

Synonyms of sequel

• outcome
• result
• resultant
• consequence
• product

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

The sequel will be overseen by Lionsgate’s Chelsea Kujawa, who also oversaw the first film and brought the project into the studio, alongside Maria Ascanio. —Marc Malkin, Variety, 6 Jan. 2026

According to a press release, stars Sweeney, who plays the titular housemaid, and Michele Morrone, who plays a groundskeeper, will likely return for the sequel (Sweeney is also an executive producer). —Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 6 Jan. 2026

This new satire is a sequel to his first collection, and 34 years in the making. —Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026

Amid big box office success for The Housemaid, its Freida McFadden thriller starring Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried and Brandon Sklenar, Lionsgate is moving toward a 2026 production start for a sequel, The Housemaid’s Secret, based on the second novel in McFadden’s bestselling trilogy. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 6 Jan. 2026

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

Rhymes for sequel

• equal
• coequal
• subequal
• unequal

Kids Definition

sequel

noun

se·​quel ˈsē-kwəl 

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 wounds

—Robert Chawner