English Reference
noun

chronology

n.
US /kɹəˈnɑɫədʒi/ UK /kɹənˈɒlədʒi/ chronol·o·gy UK spelling chronologies, chronology's

  1. 01 C1 Advanced Academic

    the order in which a series of events happened.

    the sequential order in which past events occurred. Uncountable in this general sense.

    Simple

    The detective tried to reconstruct the chronology of the crime to see who was where at 9:00 PM.

    In context

    The historian spent years verifying the chronology of the dynasty, ensuring that every recorded battle was placed in its correct temporal context.

    Usage

    Often used with the definite article 'the'.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Academic

    a list or record of events starting with the earliest and ending with the latest.

    a specific arrangement or account of events in the order of their occurrence. Countable in this sense.

    Simple

    The book includes a detailed chronology of the author's life at the back.

    In context

    The report provides a clear chronology of the negotiations, documenting every proposal and counter-offer made by both parties over the six-month period.

    timelinerecordannals
  3. 03 C2 Proficiency AcademicTechnical Science

    the science of measuring time and dating historical events.

    the science of determining the proper sequence and dates of events. Technical and academic register.

    Simple

    Advances in carbon dating have greatly improved the accuracy of archaeology and chronology.

    In context

    The professor specialized in Egyptian chronology, using astronomical data to align ancient calendars with modern dating systems.

    horology

Although APT paintings are widespread, most occur on cave and rockshelter walls and are difficult to date, leaving their chronology poorly understood.

Phys.org· 17 Aug 2026

The team was able to date the chronology of the migration waves more precisely than ever before.

Phys.org· 14 Aug 2026

From chrono- (“relating to time”) + -logy (“study of, account of”), after New Latin chronologia from Ancient Greek χρόνος (khrónos, “time”) + λόγος (lógos, “reason, explanation”). Literally "time reason" in Modern Greek.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Ancient Greek χρόνος
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated