# alphabetical

/ˌæɫfəˈbɛtɪkəɫ/ (US) · /ˌælfəbˈɛtɪkəl/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/alphabetical
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

arranged in the order of the letters of the alphabet, from A to Z.

For teachers: arranged in the sequence of the letters of the alphabet. Typically used attributively before a noun to describe the organization of lists or records.

## Examples

- Please put these files in alphabetical order.
- The teacher asked the students to stand in an alphabetical line based on their last names.
- The bibliography is organized in alphabetical order by the author's surname to ensure that readers can quickly locate specific citations within the extensive document.

## Pitfalls

- Not "alphabet order" but "alphabetical order" — Learners often use the noun 'alphabet' as a modifier instead of the correct adjective form 'alphabetical'.

## Usage notes

- Typically placed before the noun it modifies; often part of the fixed phrase 'alphabetical order'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.