sequential

adjective

se·​quen·​tial si-ˈkwen(t)-shəl 

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

si-ˈkwen(t)-sh(ə-)lē 

adverb

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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.

Synonyms

• back-to-back
• consecutive
• sequent
• straight
• succeeding
• successional
• successive

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

Still, sales of medical packaging products were up 10% quarter over quarter, the second consecutive sequential increase and further evidence of a recovery in progress. —Zev Fima, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024

Deliveries Recover, But Revenue Doesn’t Q3 saw Tesla report sequential growth for both production and deliveries after a weak Q1, where deliveries dropped below 400,000 for the first time since late 2022. —Beth Kindig, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024

Narrative of every kind, from the simultaneous to the sequential, is given tangible space. —Jerry Saltz, Vulture, 18 Oct. 2024

Enterprises drove sequential revenue growth for the company in the quarter that ended July 28, and Nvidia is working the most with Fortune 100 companies on AI initiatives, Kress said. —Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1844, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids 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

sequentially

-ˈkwench-(ə-)lē 

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