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
… the real payoff will be for the next Star Wars, an expected prequel to the previous three movies.—Laurence Hooper

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.
In a conversation with THR, Sloyan dissects playing Margaret, the character’s dark path, surprise reveal, her demise and her pitch for a Margaret prequel. — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 11 Oct. 2026 The director of Gerald’s Game helmed this fantastic prequel about a couple who has a phony séance business. — Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2026 Queen Charlotte featured the older versions of Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel), Lady Danbury (Adjoa Andoh) and Violet (Gemmell) from Bridgerton, making the other two prime suspects to headline their own prequel. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026 The cast of the untitled Lady Violet prequel has not yet been announced. — Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prequel

Word History

Etymology

pre- + -quel (as in sequel)

First Known Use

1922, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prequel was in 1922

Rhymes for prequel

See All Rhymes for prequel

Browse Nearby Words

prequalify
prequel
prerace
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prequel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prequel. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on prequel

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about prequel

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