# prequel

/ˈpɹikwɛɫ/ (US) · /pɹˈiːkwəl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/prequel
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

a story, movie, or game that shows what happened before an earlier story. It is usually made after the original one to explain how everything started.

For teachers: a literary, cinematic, or video game work whose narrative precedes that of a previously released work. Often explores the origins of characters or the backstory of a fictional universe.

## Examples

- The new movie is a prequel to the original trilogy.
- Fans were excited to see the prequel because it finally explained how the main villain lost his eye.
- While sequels often struggle to maintain narrative momentum, a prequel faces the unique challenge of creating tension despite the audience already knowing the eventual fate of the protagonists.

## Usage notes

- Often paired with the preposition 'to' when identifying the original work.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.