chronological

adjective

chro·​no·​log·​i·​cal ˌkrä-nə-ˈlä-ji-kəl How to pronounce chronological (audio)
ˌkrō-
variants or less commonly chronologic
: of, relating to, or arranged in or according to the order of time
chronological tables of American history
His art is arranged in chronological order.
also : reckoned in units of time
chronological age
chronologically adverb

Examples of chronological in a Sentence

His art is displayed in roughly chronological order. a chronological account of their trip
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.
Organized in six sections, combining both chronological and thematic approaches, the exhibition opens with a group of portraits of Lee Miller taken by some of the greatest photographers and filmmakers of the 1920s and 1930s – Edward Steichen, Cecil Beaton and George Hoyningen-Huene among them. Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026 Rather than merely tracing a chronological timeline, Cappellieri examined the brand’s transformative, artistic and cultural role. Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 27 May 2026 Posts are produced, published, and distributed within the main area of a blog in the reverse-chronological order, making up the timely nature of the content. Jeremy Saks, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 May 2026 Images of Life divides Lucas’ career into three chronological and loose stylistic categories, each nabbing an LP of its own. Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 23 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for chronological

Word History

Etymology

chronological from chronologic + -al entry 1 or from chronology + -ical; chronologic from chronology + -ic entry 1, probably after French chronologique or New Latin chronologicus

First Known Use

1614, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chronological was in 1614

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chronological.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chronological. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

chronological

adjective
chro·​no·​log·​i·​cal ˌkrän-ə-ˈläj-i-kəl How to pronounce chronological (audio)
ˌkrō-nə-
: arranged in or according to the order of time
chronological order
a chronological table
chronologically
-i-k(ə-)lē
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on chronological

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster