noun
prequel
PREE-kwuhl
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.”
noun
1
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.
"The prequel explains how the villain came to be."
"Fans argue about whether the prequels are better than the originals."
How to use prequel
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA follow-up story that goes backwards in time instead of forwards.
When to use it
Neutral; standard in film, television and publishing.
Memory tip
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 ↓
Easily confused with
prequel vs sequel
prequel vs spin-off
prequel vs reboot
Common pairings
prequel trilogy
direct prequel
prequel series
a prequel to
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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.
