# chronology

/kɹəˈnɑɫədʒi/ (US) · /kɹənˈɒlədʒi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/chronology
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. the order of events

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic

the order in which a series of events happened.

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

- The detective tried to reconstruct the chronology of the crime to see who was where at 9:00 PM.
- 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. a list or timeline

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic

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

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

- The book includes a detailed chronology of the author's life at the back.
- The report provides a clear chronology of the negotiations, documenting every proposal and counter-offer made by both parties over the six-month period.

### 3. the science of time

noun · CEFR C2 · Academic · Technical

the science of measuring time and dating historical events.

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

- Advances in carbon dating have greatly improved the accuracy of archaeology and chronology.
- The professor specialized in Egyptian chronology, using astronomical data to align ancient calendars with modern dating systems.

## Examples

- The detective established a clear chronology of the crime.
- The historian spent years verifying the chronology of the ancient dynasty to ensure the timeline was accurate.
- By examining the layers of sediment, the researchers were able to reconstruct the chronology of the volcanic eruptions that shaped the island's geography over several millennia.

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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.