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

Filmed in chronological order over four days, Jenkins decided to present each Last Supper segment in reverse order per episode. —Jim Halterman, Variety, 15 June 2025

Flanagan kept the author's unconventional three-act structure, told in reverse chronological order, that features the end of the world, an impromptu dance sequence and Chuck’s formative kid years. —Brian Truitt, USA Today, 13 June 2025

Here’s a guide to six cultural and art-based events happening at the 2025 San Diego County Fair, listed in chronological order. Asian & Pacific Islander Festival: Dancing, music and martial arts are all on display at the Asian and Pacific Islander Festival. —Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 June 2025

Told in reverse chronological order, this affecting book relates Bialosky’s experiences caring for her dying mother, Iris. —The New Yorker, New Yorker, 9 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

chonological 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