sequencing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical/Academic
Quick answer
What does “sequencing” mean?
The process of arranging things in a specific order, especially a step-by-step progression.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The process of arranging things in a specific order, especially a step-by-step progression.
1. (Genetics) Determining the precise order of nucleotides within a DNA or RNA molecule. 2. (Production/Process) Organizing the successive stages of a manufacturing or operational process. 3. (Education) Arranging educational content in a logical learning progression. 4. (Multimedia) The arrangement of scenes, sounds, or data in a digital file.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Spelling and pronunciation are identical. The word is used with equal frequency in both technical registers.
Connotations
Neutral and technical in both variants.
Frequency
Equally common in scientific and technical discourse in both the UK and US. Slightly less common in everyday language.
Grammar
How to Use “sequencing” in a Sentence
[sequencing of + NOUN PHRASE][ADJECTIVE + sequencing][sequencing + NOUN]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sequencing” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The lab is sequencing the viral genome to track mutations.
- We need to sequence the tasks by priority.
American English
- The team is sequencing the DNA samples now.
- Let's sequence the customer onboarding steps.
adverb
British English
- [Not standard; no adverbial form of 'sequencing'. Use 'sequentially'.]
American English
- [Not standard; no adverbial form of 'sequencing'. Use 'sequentially'.]
adjective
British English
- The sequencing machine is state-of-the-art.
- We have a sequencing backlog in the lab.
American English
- The sequencing data is ready for analysis.
- He works in a sequencing facility.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the order of tasks, projects, or product releases (e.g., 'The sequencing of our market entry is critical.').
Academic
Common in biology, computer science, and education research. Denotes methodical order or the specific genetic analysis technique.
Everyday
Used for discussing the order of steps in a recipe, story events, or a playlist (e.g., 'The sequencing of scenes in the film was confusing.').
Technical
The dominant context, especially for 'DNA sequencing' or 'process sequencing' in engineering and bioinformatics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sequencing”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sequencing”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sequencing”
- Using 'sequence' as an uncountable noun (e.g., 'the sequence of tasks' is correct; 'the sequencing of tasks' is also correct but more process-focused).
- Misspelling as 'sequancing' or 'sequencening'.
- Incorrect preposition: 'sequencing for genes' instead of 'sequencing of genes'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Order' is the static result (a sequence). 'Sequencing' is the active process of determining or arranging that order.
Yes, but the verb form is 'to sequence'. 'Sequencing' is the -ing form (gerund or present participle) of that verb. For example: 'They are sequencing the genome' (verb). 'The sequencing took two weeks' (noun).
'Scheduling' assigns specific times or dates to events. 'Sequencing' determines the relative order of items, regardless of absolute timing. A sequence can be part of a schedule.
It allows scientists to read the genetic code of organisms, which is fundamental for diagnosing diseases, developing treatments, understanding evolution, and personalizing medicine.
The process of arranging things in a specific order, especially a step-by-step progression.
Sequencing is usually technical/academic in register.
Sequencing: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsiː.kwən.sɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsiː.kwən.sɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms directly with 'sequencing']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a **SEQUEL** to a film – it comes after, in a specific order. **Sequencing** is about putting things in their 'sequel' order, step-by-step.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PATH or a MAP: Sequencing is conceptualized as laying out a path where one step must follow another in a predefined route.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'sequencing' MOST specifically and technically defined?