prequel

[ pree-kwuhl ]

noun

1. a literary, dramatic, or filmic work that prefigures a later work, as by portraying the same characters at a younger age.

prequel

/ ˈpriːkwəl /

noun

1. a film or book about an earlier stage of a story or a character's life, released because the later part of it has already been successful

Word History and Origins

Origin of prequel¹

First recorded in 1970–75; pre- + (se)quel

Word History and Origins

Origin of prequel¹

C20: from pre- + ( se ) quel

Example Sentences

However, he has also cautioned fans not to look to the prequel films for clues, but rather the first two films give a better idea of the series' aesthetic.

From Salon

“Dune: Prophecy,” a prequel based on Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson’s “Great Schools of Dune” trilogy, has about six hours to set the table and whet our appetite.

From Salon

The actor was unfamiliar with the ‘Dune’ universe before taking the part of Tula Harkonnen in the prequel series, but history provided ample fodder for her character.

From Los Angeles Times

It earned 59 Emmy Awards during its run and has yielded several spinoff projects, including the prequel series “The House of the Dragon.”

From Los Angeles Times

What happens in the planned five seasons of the prequel series will lay the groundwork for who Gandalf becomes when he is better known as Gandalf the Grey.

From Los Angeles Times