sequential

adjective

se·​quen·​tial si-ˈkwen(t)-shəl 

1

: of, relating to, or arranged in a sequence : serial

sequential file systems

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

sequentially

si-ˈkwen(t)-sh(ə-)lē 

adverb

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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.

Synonyms

• back-to-back
• consecutive
• sequent
• straight
• succeeding
• successional
• successive

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 French luxury giant had recorded a 1 percent uptick in organic revenues in the fourth quarter of 2024, with a 1 percent drop at its fashion and leather goods business unit, raising hopes of sequential improvement in the sector. —Miles Socha, Footwear News, 14 Apr. 2025

Rory is just the fifth man to win sequential majors in his career more than 10 seasons apart, the previous being Woods here at Augusta National in 2019. —Justin Ray, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025

The memory enhancement revealed through this study is what’s known as sequential memory. —Stephanie Edwards, Discover Magazine, 11 Apr. 2025

There will be more path-dependency: all else being equal, the sequential, multiple response of players to other players is likely to result in outcomes that would be unlikely if all players were to rationally respond to other players just once. —Vineer Bhansali, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1844, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sequential

• credential
• prudential
• tangential
• torrential
• circumferential
• inconsequential
• consequential
• deferential
• evidential
• existential
• exponential
• influential

Kids 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

sequentially

-ˈkwench-(ə-)lē 

adverb

Medical Definition

sequential

adjective

se·​quen·​tial

si-ˈkwen-chəl

1

: occurring as a sequela of disease or injury

2

: of, relating to, forming, or taken or administered in a sequence

sequential chemotherapy

sequential noun