prerequisite
noun
pre·req·ui·site
(ˌ)prē-ˈre-kwə-zət 
: something that is necessary to an end or to the carrying out of a function
prerequisite
adjective
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Prerequisite is partly based on requirere, the Latin verb meaning "to need or require". So a prerequisite can be anything that must be accomplished or acquired before something else can be done. Possessing a valid credit card is a prerequisite for renting a car. A physical exam may be a prerequisite for receiving a life-insurance policy. And successful completion of an introductory course is often a prerequisite for enrolling in a higher-level course.
Examples of prerequisite in a Sentence
Future greatness does not always inspire popularity. Coolness, in the high-school or hip sense of the word, is not a prerequisite for leadership.
—
Evan Thomas, Newsweek, 2 Aug. 2004
… opposition to the totalitarian threat was the prerequisite for membership in American liberalism because communism was the defining moral challenge of the age.
—Peter Beinart, New Republic, 13 Dec. 2004
But old-school Andy lacks a skill that may soon be a prerequisite for 21st-century detective work: knowing how to glean secrets from a suspect's hard drive.
—Daniel McGinn, Newsweek, 23 Sept. 2002
Evan Thomas, Newsweek, 2 Aug. 2004
… opposition to the totalitarian threat was the prerequisite for membership in American liberalism because communism was the defining moral challenge of the age.
—Peter Beinart, New Republic, 13 Dec. 2004
But old-school Andy lacks a skill that may soon be a prerequisite for 21st-century detective work: knowing how to glean secrets from a suspect's hard drive.
—Daniel McGinn, Newsweek, 23 Sept. 2002
Recent Examples on the Web
There are dozens of places to find authentic Vietnamese cuisine here, so having at least one meal (plus some bubble tea and maybe a snack) is a prerequisite.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 14 July 2025
As its name suggests, the Good Food Foundation awards producers who create high-quality products, with sustainability and health standards as critical prerequisites.
—Sacbee.com, 11 July 2025
These relationships are born of absolute trust, which seems a prerequisite.
—George Caulkin, New York Times, 7 July 2025
Following this method ensures deer make it into the plot before dark, which is an obvious prerequisite to punching a tag.
—Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for prerequisite
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Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 14 July 2025
As its name suggests, the Good Food Foundation awards producers who create high-quality products, with sustainability and health standards as critical prerequisites.
—Sacbee.com, 11 July 2025
These relationships are born of absolute trust, which seems a prerequisite.
—George Caulkin, New York Times, 7 July 2025
Following this method ensures deer make it into the plot before dark, which is an obvious prerequisite to punching a tag.
—Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for prerequisite
Cite this Entry
“Prerequisite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prerequisite. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
prerequisite
noun
pre·req·ui·site
(ˈ)prē-ˈrek-wə-zət
: something required beforehand or necessary as preparation for something else
the course is a prerequisite for advanced study
prerequisite
adjective
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