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

There are eight lighting modes (combination, sequential, in waves, slow glow, chasing/flash, slow fade, twinkle, and steady on) that turn the tree into a fantastical light display. —Gabriela Izquierdo, Southern Living, 15 Nov. 2023

The electric vehicle manufacturer says its sequential decline in volume was caused by planned downtimes for factory upgrades. —WSJ, 18 Oct. 2023

The turbine assembly connects via a drive shaft through an eight-speed sequential transmission, and powers a generator with a claimed efficiency above 90 percent. —IEEE Spectrum, 20 Sep. 2023

But caucuses and primaries are sequential, with the results in one state often influencing later voters. —Walter Shapiro, The New Republic, 28 Sep. 2023

The carmaker blamed the sequential decline on the upgrades to its manufacturing plants Musk flagged during the second-quarter earnings call. —Bychristiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2023

For example, political strategist and Public Theater board Chair Luis A. Miranda Jr. cited Repertorio Español, which provides New York students with matinee performances, lectures, Q&As and sequential lessons designed to enhance classroom assignments. —Ashley Lee, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2023

Using dendrochronology, the science of analyzing tree rings, the team confirmed that between 923 and 924 CE two faults in the Seattle area produced either one large earthquake of magnitude 7.8, or two sequential earthquakes of slightly lower magnitude. —Hannah Seo, Popular Science, 28 Sep. 2023

This also represents a sequential decline of 25.8% from the 120 deals announced in January. —Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 20 Mar. 2023

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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