sequential
adjective
se·quen·tial
si-ˈkwen(t)-shəl 
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
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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.
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
Chaining tasks means breaking a process into sequential steps, where each builds on the last.
—
Jodie Cook, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
In the past 45 years, Walmart has posted only one modest year-over-year sequential sales decline of -0.7% in FY2016.
—Michael Khouw, CNBC, 24 Feb. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for sequential
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Jodie Cook, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
In the past 45 years, Walmart has posted only one modest year-over-year sequential sales decline of -0.7% in FY2016.
—Michael Khouw, CNBC, 24 Feb. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for sequential
Cite this Entry
“Sequential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sequential. Accessed 8 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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