chronology
noun
chro·nol·o·gy
krə-ˈnä-lə-jē 
plural chronologies
1
: the science that deals with measuring time by regular divisions and that assigns to events their proper dates
2
: a chronological table, list, or account
a chronology of the author's works
3
: an arrangement (as of events) in order of occurrence
reconstruct the chronology of the trip
The book provides a chronology of events leading up to the American Civil War.
Did you know?
History is much more than a simple chronology of events, but keeping events in chronological order is the first essential step in thinking about it. When, for example, historians try to show how World War I prepared the way for World War II, tracking the chronology of the events in the years between the two wars can help in explaining a complicated historical era.
Examples of chronology in a Sentence
We tried to reconstruct the chronology of the accident.
The book provides a chronology of the events leading up to the American Civil War.
Recent Examples on the Web
Here is a chronology of how events unfolded: Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act on Friday by signing a proclamation, but didn't give a speech explaining the decision.
—
Bart Jansen, USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2025
With each option, the chronology of individual steps in the process changes.
—Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 11 Mar. 2025
Although questions still surround the origin of proto-henges, the researchers believe Flagstones was a prototype for later monuments like Stonehenge based on the new chronology.
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 7 Mar. 2025
According to the chronology, the two junior probation officers noticed the bullets appeared to be missing in July.
—Graham Rayman, New York Daily News, 16 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chronology
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.
Bart Jansen, USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2025
With each option, the chronology of individual steps in the process changes.
—Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 11 Mar. 2025
Although questions still surround the origin of proto-henges, the researchers believe Flagstones was a prototype for later monuments like Stonehenge based on the new chronology.
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 7 Mar. 2025
According to the chronology, the two junior probation officers noticed the bullets appeared to be missing in July.
—Graham Rayman, New York Daily News, 16 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chronology
Articles Related to chronology
Cite this Entry
“Chronology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chronology. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
chronology
noun
chro·nol·o·gy
krə-ˈnäl-ə-jē
plural chronologies
1
: the science that deals with measuring time and dating events
2
: a chronological table or list
chronologist
noun
-jəst
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share