sequential

adjective

se·​quen·​tial si-ˈkwen(t)-shəl How to pronounce sequential (audio)
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 adverb

Did you know?

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.

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Still, its guidance assumes that China sales will be negative in the first half of 2025, followed by sequential improvement across the third and fourth quarters. Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 13 Feb. 2025 So the team reasoned that Zipf’s law of frequency might appear not just in humans but also anywhere else sequential vocal signals are culturally learned (transmitted from one individual to another). Cody Cottier, Scientific American, 6 Feb. 2025 Indeed, cartoonist Scott McCloud used it as an example of this kind of sequential narrative in his 1994 book, Understanding Comics. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 28 Jan. 2025 Retired or not, the world’s greatest quarterback does not have the luxury to indulge in sequential action—one thing at a time is for slowpokes and losers. Vinson Cunningham, The New Yorker, 25 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for sequential 

Word History

First Known Use

1844, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sequential was in 1844

Dictionary Entries Near sequential

Cite this Entry

“Sequential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sequential. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

sequential

adjective
se·​quen·​tial si-ˈkwen-chəl How to pronounce sequential (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or arranged in a sequence
sequential file systems
2
: following in sequence
sequentially 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

More from Merriam-Webster on sequential

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