sequence

1 of 2

noun

se·​quence ˈsē-kwən(t)s 

-ˌkwen(t)s

1

: a hymn in irregular meter between the gradual and Gospel in masses for special occasions (such as Easter)

2

: a continuous or connected series: such as

a

: an extended series of poems united by a single theme

a sonnet sequence

b

: three or more playing cards usually of the same suit in consecutive order of rank

c

: a succession of repetitions of a melodic phrase or harmonic pattern each in a new position

d

: a set of elements ordered so that they can be labeled with the positive integers

e

: the exact order of bases in a nucleic acid or of amino acids in a protein

f(1)

: a succession of related shots or scenes developing a single subject or phase of a film story

(2)

: episode

3

a

: order of succession

b

: an arrangement of the tenses of successive verbs in a sentence designed to express a coherent relationship especially between main and subordinate parts

4

a

: consequence, result

b

: a subsequent development

5

: continuity of progression

the narrative sequence

sequence

2 of 2

verb

sequenced; sequencing

transitive verb

1

: to arrange in a sequence

2

: to determine the sequence of chemical constituents (such as amino-acid residues or nucleic-acid bases) in

Synonyms

Noun

• aftereffect
• aftermath
• backwash
• child
• conclusion
• consequence
• corollary
• development
• effect
• fate
• fruit
• issue
• outcome
• outgrowth
• precipitate
• product
• result
• resultant
• sequel
• upshot

Examples of sequence in a Sentence

Noun

He listened to the telephone messages in sequence.

a chase sequence in a spy movie

I enjoyed the movie's opening sequence.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The entire sequence unfolds at Galilee Gulch, played in the show by a mansion on Lake Murray, just outside the state capital of Columbia, that happens to be the largest single-family residence in South Carolina, at around 18,000 square feet. —Alison Herman, Variety, 5 May 2025

Early in the first half against Villa, one sequence demonstrated the two most outstanding aspects of Lavia’s game: his ability to receive and retain the ball under pressure, and his talent for identifying and playing line-breaking passes that give his team an advantage. —Liam Twomey, New York Times, 3 May 2025

Verb

At McGill, Avila-Cervantes performed the genomic sequencing that ultimately revealed big differences between the island populations and mainland counterparts. —Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025

Rivian employees will then kit and sequence the parts that will be moved to the main plant through an underground tunnel. —Juby Babu, USA Today, 7 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin sequentia, from Late Latin, sequel, literally, act of following, from Latin sequent-, sequens, present participle of sequi

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1941, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing sequence

• Cauchy sequence
• main sequence
• out of sequence
• sonnet sequence

Kids Definition

sequence

noun

se·​quence

ˈsē-kwən(t)s,

-ˌkwen(t)s

1

a

: a continuous or connected series

b

: a set of several shots or scenes developing a single subject (as in a movie)

a chase sequence in a spy movie

2

: the order in which things are or should be connected, related, or dated

the sequence of events

3

a

: result entry 2 sense 1, consequence

b

: a development that follows something else

Etymology

Noun

Middle English sequence "a hymn, a connected series," derived from Latin sequentia "state or fact of following, succession," from sequent-, sequens, a form of the verb sequi "to follow" — related to sequel

Medical Definition

sequence

1 of 2 noun

se·​quence ˈsē-kwən(t)s, -ˌkwen(t)s 

1

: a continuous or connected series

specifically : the exact order of bases in a nucleic acid or of amino acids in a protein

2

: a consequence, result, or subsequent development (as of a disease)

sequence

2 of 2 transitive verb

sequenced; sequencing

: to determine the sequence of chemical constituents (as amino acid residues in a protein or bases in a strand of DNA) in

sequenced the DNA of the entire genome of an organism