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

This might lead to a few sequential dryer cycles (and a higher electric bill)—and is less recommended for allergies, as noted above. —Suzy Forman, SELF, 24 Oct. 2024

Energy Storage was a bright spot in Q3 as even with a sequential decline in deployments and (21%) sequential decline in revenue, gross margin expanded from 24.5% to 30.5%. —Beth Kindig, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024

Results showed a sequential improvement in Tesla’s key profitability metric—auto gross margins excluding regulatory credits. —Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2024

Commodity arbitrage involves the simultaneous or sequential buying and selling of commodities across different markets to profit from the price difference. —Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 23 Oct. 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