What does sequel mean?
A sequel is a work that follows and continues an earlier book, film, television program, or stage production. It may retell events from the original story, introduce a new conflict, or extend the narrative in a substantially new direction. The word is also used more formally for anything that follows or results from an earlier event, although this older sense now sounds somewhat literary or dated. In everyday discussion, “sequel” commonly refers to a second film or another installment in a continuing series. It should not be confused with a “prequel,” which portrays events before the original story, or with “sequence,” which means an ordered series rather than a follow-up work. Although the term can sometimes carry a negative implication because a sequel may be less successful than the work it follows, its primary meaning is neutral and descriptive.
A literary, cinematic, or theatrical work that continues the narrative of an earlier work.
"The long-awaited sequel was released more than a decade after the original film."
An event, development, or consequence following something else.
"The court decision had an unexpected sequel when an appeal was filed."
This sense is formal and less common than the modern use for a follow-up work.
The plural is formed by adding -s.
"Several successful sequels followed the original production."
From the Latin sequela, meaning “that which follows,” a sequel has always been about what comes next.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sequel come from?
The English word comes from Latin sequela, meaning “that which follows” or “a result,” ultimately derived from sequi, “to follow.” It entered English in the early nineteenth century in the sense of a subsequent event or consequence. Its now-dominant meaning for a continuation of a literary or cinematic work developed later, especially during the twentieth century.
How sequel is actually used
In modern usage, “sequel” most often refers to a literary or cinematic follow-up. Its broader sense for a subsequent consequence is formal and is now less common.
Easily confused with sequel
A sequel continues a story after an earlier installment, whereas a prequel depicts events preceding the original installment.
A sequel is a follow-up work or event, while a sequence is an ordered series of items, actions, or stages.