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

Even scenes involving the protagonists tend to feel like more like vignettes than parts of a sequential story. —Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 1 Sep. 2024

Despite sequential growth of 15%, the chipmaker’s stock was down around 3.9% in pre-market trading on Thursday, and was down around 5.9% during mid-day trading. —Britney Nguyen, Quartz, 29 Aug. 2024

The evidence of sequential molting bolstered the idea that Microraptor flew. —science.org, 3 July 2024

Columbia Sportswear’s second quarter wasn’t its best, but its Fall 2024 order book suggests sequential improvement in the quarters ahead for wholesale sales. —Vicki M. Young, Sourcing Journal, 1 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1844, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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