sequential
adjective
se·quen·tial
si-ˈkwen(t)-shəl 
2
: following in sequence
3
: relating to or based on a method of testing a statistical hypothesis that involves examination of a sequence of samples for each of which the decision is made to accept or reject the hypothesis or to continue sampling
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Things in sequence, or regular order, are arranged sequentially. Most novels and films move sequentially, but some use techniques such as flashbacks that interrupt the movement forward in time. Sequential courses in college must follow each other in the proper order, just like sequential tasks or steps.
Examples of sequential in a Sentence
Put the cards in sequential order.
explained that if the two required algebra semesters weren't sequential, the students would likely forget the material
Recent Examples on the Web
The same is true for academic and government demand, Blair said, though demand was stable on a sequential basis.
—
Zev Fima, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2025
These principles are not sequential steps but a reinforcing cycle.
—Prof. Dr. Med. Mazda Farshad, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
With Tahoe, Apple has switched from a sequential numbering scheme for each new version of macOS to numbering by the year of release.
—PC Magazine, 21 Oct. 2025
The study concludes that this sequential insertion mechanism offers a design principle for creating next-generation batteries that require both rapid charging and long-term stability.
—Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sequential
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Zev Fima, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2025
These principles are not sequential steps but a reinforcing cycle.
—Prof. Dr. Med. Mazda Farshad, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
With Tahoe, Apple has switched from a sequential numbering scheme for each new version of macOS to numbering by the year of release.
—PC Magazine, 21 Oct. 2025
The study concludes that this sequential insertion mechanism offers a design principle for creating next-generation batteries that require both rapid charging and long-term stability.
—Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sequential
Cite this Entry
“Sequential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sequential. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sequential
adjective
se·quen·tial
si-ˈkwen-chəl
1
: of, relating to, or arranged in a sequence
sequential file systems
2
: following in sequence
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