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.

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

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

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

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 …

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.

If one thing is a prerequisite for another, it must happen or exist before the other thing is possible.

5 days ago · In education, a course or topic that must be completed before another course or topic can be started. May be colloquially referred to as a prereq. Algebra is typically a prerequisite for physics.

A prerequisite is a required prior condition. If something is required in advance of something else, like if you have to take a beginning Spanish class before signing up for Spanish II, then it’s a prerequisite.