sequence
SEE-kwuhns
Sequence (noun) means a set of things arranged in a particular order, one after another. Example: “Follow the sequence of steps carefully when assembling the shelf.”
noun
1
A set of things arranged in a particular order, one after another.
"Follow the sequence of steps carefully when assembling the shelf."
"The events unfolded in a strange sequence that no one could explain."
"The numbers 2, 4, 6, 8 form a simple sequence."
2
A series of shots in a film that together show a single action, scene, or style.
"The car chase sequence took three weeks to film."
"The dream sequence in the film was shot in black and white."
"The opening sequence follows one long, unbroken shot through the busy market."
verb
1
To work out or arrange the exact order of something, especially the units in a DNA or protein strand.
"Scientists sequenced the virus's genome within days."
"Researchers sequenced the plant's DNA to learn how it resists drought."
"The lab will sequence the samples before the end of the month."
How to use sequence
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA number of things happening or arranged one after another, in a set order.
Common pairings
in sequence
sequence of events
sequence a genome
opening sequence
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Word forms
- Plural
- sequences
- Third person singular
- sequences
- Past tense
- sequenced
Fill the gap
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Follow the _____ of steps carefully when assembling the shelf.
Etymology
From Old French sequence, from Late Latin sequentia, "a following," from Latin sequī, "to follow."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for sequence
See all rhymes for sequence →Frequently asked questions
What does “sequence” mean?
The word “sequence” means a set of things arranged in a particular order, one after another. In plain terms, a number of things happening or arranged one after another, in a set order.
How do you pronounce “sequence”?
“Sequence” is pronounced SEE-kwuhns (/ˈsi.kwəns/ in IPA).
How do you use “sequence” in a sentence?
Here is “sequence” used in a sentence: “Follow the sequence of steps carefully when assembling the shelf.”
What is another word for “sequence”?
Words with a similar meaning to “sequence” include array, chain, procession, consecution, series and string.
What is the opposite of “sequence”?
The opposite of “sequence” — its antonyms — is hodgepodge.
What part of speech is “sequence”?
Depending on how it is used, “sequence” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “sequence” come from?
The word “sequence” comes from Late Latin. From Old French sequence, from Late Latin sequentia, "a following," from Latin sequī, "to follow.".
Is “sequence” a common word?
“Sequence” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between a "sequence" and a "series"?
A sequence stresses that things follow one another in a particular, fixed order, one after another. A series simply refers to a number of related things or events grouped together; in mathematics, a sequence is an ordered list of terms, whereas a series is the sum of those terms.
When should you use "sequence" instead of "order"?
Use "sequence" when you mean the actual succession of items following one another, and "order" when you mean the principle or arrangement governing them. A sequence is the concrete run of items itself, while "order" can also mean tidiness or a command.
What prepositions are commonly used with "sequence"?
"Sequence" most often pairs with "of," as in "a sequence of events," and with "in," as in "arranged in sequence." To do something "out of sequence" means to do it in the wrong order.
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