prequel
Prequel (noun) means a film, book or series that is made after an existing story but set at an earlier point in it, showing what happened before the original. Example: “The prequel explains how the villain came to be.”
How to use prequel
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA follow-up story that goes backwards in time instead of forwards.
Neutral; standard in film, television and publishing.
Prequel describes when the story is set, not when it was made: a prequel is always made later but set earlier.
Trace the full origin ↓Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ explains how the villain came to be.
Etymology
A blend of the prefix pre- "before" and sequel.
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for prequel
See all rhymes for prequel →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a prequel and a sequel?
Both are made after the original, but a sequel continues the story forward in time while a prequel goes back and shows earlier events. A prequel's ending usually leads straight into the beginning of the original.
What is the difference between a prequel and a spin-off?
A prequel covers earlier events in the same storyline, usually with characters you already know. A spin-off takes a character or setting from the original and tells a separate story, which may be set before, during or after it.
What is the meaning of prequel?
"prequel" (noun) means a film, book or series that is made after an existing story but set at an earlier point in it, showing what happened before the original.
What is the opposite of prequel?
The opposite of "prequel" is sequel.