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.

PREREQUISITE definition: 1. something that must exist or happen before something else can exist or happen: 2. something…. Learn more.

PREREQUISITE definition: required beforehand. See examples of prerequisite used in a sentence.

Definition of prerequisite noun in Oxford Advanced American Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

If one thing is a prerequisite for another, it must happen or exist before the other thing is possible. Good self-esteem is a prerequisite for a happy life.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025 pre•req•ui•site (pri rek′ wə zit, prē-), adj. required beforehand: a prerequisite fund of knowledge. n. something …

prerequisite something required as a precondition: Passing the exam is a prerequisite for college admission.

The introductory course is a prerequisite for the advanced-level courses. Having good credit is a prerequisite to applying for a loan.

Factsheet What does the word prerequisite mean? There are two meanings listed in OED's entry for the word prerequisite. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English pre‧req‧ui‧site /priːˈrekwəzət/ noun [countable] formal something that is necessary before something else can happen or be done prerequisite …