chronological

adjective

chro·​no·​log·​i·​cal ˌkrä-nə-ˈlä-ji-kəl How to pronounce chronological (audio)
ˌkrō-
variants or less commonly chronologic
ˌkrä-nə-ˈlä-jik How to pronounce chronological (audio)
ˌkrō-
: 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
ˌkrä-nə-ˈlä-ji-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce chronological (audio)
ˌkrō-
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.
Hassouna and co-editor Denis LePaven pace the chronological patchwork of footage less as a story with a predestined shape, and more as shifting tiles of accumulating losses that the audience can traverse without being too overwhelmed. — Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2026 Here’s a snapshot of those findings (not in chronological order, because AI’s top of mind these days; plus, my colleague made a cool interactive graphic for you). — Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026 The revealing chronological account documents his descent into addiction, search for sobriety and ongoing recovery. — Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026 An applicant’s chronological résumé tells leaders where someone has been. — Sheila Callaham, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 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

Phrases Containing chronological

Rhymes for chronological

See All Rhymes for chronological

Browse Nearby Words

chronologer
chronological
chronological age
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chronological.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chronological. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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