chronological

adjective

chro·​no·​log·​i·​cal ˌkrä-nə-ˈlä-ji-kəl 

ˌkrō-

variants or less commonly chronologic

ˌkrä-nə-ˈlä-jik 

ˌkrō-

: of, relating to, or arranged in or according to the order of time

chronological tables of American history

His art is arranged in chronological order.

also : reckoned in units of time

chronological age

chronologically

ˌkrä-nə-ˈlä-ji-k(ə-)lē 

ˌkrō-

adverb

Examples of chronological in a Sentence

His art is displayed in roughly chronological order.

a chronological account of their trip

Recent Examples on the Web

The other is that people underestimate the power of telling a story in chronological order and researching the events that led up to it. —Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 6 Dec. 2025

The show follows their characters’ relationships as friends over three decades, with scenes unfolding in reverse chronological order. —Jenelle Riley, Variety, 6 Dec. 2025

This chronological edging might be pleasurable for Shane and Ilya, but when built into the framing of an episode of television, the fade-ins and -outs overwhelm and distract the narrative. —Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 2 Dec. 2025

The historic Bordeaux Cottage gives a chronological account of the town’s history, complete with artifacts. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 30 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

chronological from chronologic + -al entry 1 or from chronology + -ical; chronologic from chronology + -ic entry 1, probably after French chronologique or New Latin chronologicus

First Known Use

1614, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing chronological

• chronological age

Rhymes for chronological

• analogical
• astrological
• biological
• christological
• cosmological
• cytological
• dialogical
• ecological
• ethnological
• ethological
• geological
• histological

Kids Definition

chronological

adjective

chro·​no·​log·​i·​cal ˌkrän-ə-ˈläj-i-kəl 

ˌkrō-nə-

: arranged in or according to the order of time

chronological order

a chronological table

chronologically

-i-k(ə-)lē

adverb