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

Example Sentences

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

This second sub drop was driven by a 4.6 million sequential decline at Disney+ Hotstar, the version of the service offered in India and parts of Southeast Asia. —Jennifer Maas, Variety, 10 May 2023

The sequential and synergistic effect of the dual-switch circuit can be seen in Figure 4. —William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2022

Over the past two years, Twitter’s sequential user growth in the U.S. has averaged just 2% per quarter. —Jacob Carpenter, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2022

Mozart’s symphonies, much extraordinary human achievement is not a product of conscious, sequential reasoning. —Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2021

The vacuum chamber has multiple, sequential compartments with different jobs. —Charles D. Brown Ii, Scientific American, 16 May 2023

The first quarter marked the fourth consecutive quarter of Carvana decreasing both on a sequential basis. —Jinjoo Lee, wsj.com, 10 May 2023

In a lean-to-the-bone melody filled with squirrelly synths and loping pedal steels, Lightfoot tells a literary tale of the final voyage of a ship in almost sequential detail while rhyming Gitche Gumee more than a few times. —A.d. Amorosi, Variety, 2 May 2023

The sequential numbers are meant to grab your attention, especially 666 because of its infamous affiliations. —Kate Franke, Woman's Day, 1 May 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