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 company’s direct-to-consumer streaming unit posted an operating loss of $138 million in the year-end 2023 quarter, compared with an operating loss of nearly $1 billion in the year-earlier quarter and a sequential improvement of $300 million. —Todd Spangler, Variety, 5 Apr. 2024

Hiring involves a series of sequential steps, each greatly impacting the end result, and improving the process demands a holistic view. —Robert Satterwhite, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024

The new mill is called the V12 R-Evo and produces 900 hp and 567 ft lbs of torque, all of which is routed to the rear wheels via a six-speed sequential gearbox. —Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 9 Feb. 2024

To choose their words, language models start by running their input through a series of pattern recognizers, arranged into sequential layers. —Cal Newport, The New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2024

These gender-bending creatures are sequential hermaphrodites: They’re all born male and only later in life do some transition to female. —Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 13 Mar. 2024

Interestingly, the species are sequential hermaphrodites, meaning they are born female, with some transitioning to males later in life. —Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2024

Ceramic sculptor Louisa Neill offers a pile of clay next to sequential photographs of digging a hole. —Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, 1 Mar. 2024

Neil Gaiman’s fantasy novel Anansi Boys is heading to the sequential art world of comics. —Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Feb. 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