timeline

Or time line

[tahym-lahyn]

noun

1. a linear representation of important events in the order in which they occurred.

2. a schedule; timetable.

3. Digital Technology.

   1. a collection of online posts or updates associated with a specific social media account, in reverse chronological order.

   2. timeline bar.

4. an alternate reality in which events unfold differently, often beginning at a single identifiable moment of divergence that establishes a distinct but recognizable parallel existence: We’re stuck in the darkest timeline, trapped in a dystopian nightmare.

   My free-love hippie mom just got engaged to a hedge fund manager—what timeline am I living in?

   We’re stuck in the darkest timeline, trapped in a dystopian nightmare.

timeline

/ ˈtaɪmˌlaɪn /

noun

1. a graphic representation showing the passage of time as a line

2. a time frame during which something is scheduled to happen

Word History and Origins

Origin of timeline¹

First recorded in 1950–55; time ( def. ) + line ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

Below is a timeline of key observations by local authorities, who also cite their regular interactions with the Federal Protective Service, a Homeland Security division that was at the facility.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

“The timeline is slower,” said Daniel Johnson, a London-based startup consultant who has advised European firms on moves to the U.S.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

But bankers and lawyers are now skeptical of the timeline.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

As other quantum companies promise to deliver systems close to five years from now, Ward says he is optimistic about PsiQuantum’s 2027 timeline.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Hamas has also renewed its demand for a timeline for Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza and is seeking clarification regarding the formation of an international peacekeeping force for the enclave, including its mandate and deployment plan.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• agenda 
• timetable 

When To Use

What is a timeline?

A timeline is a visual representation of chronological events on a line.Timelines are often used in videos, textbooks, articles, or other media that is recounting history. In online news and entertainment, a timeline is also often used to keep track of events as they happen, especially for pressing stories such as major world events and important elections.On social media, a timeline is a broad term that refers to a collection of posts on someone’s account. For example, on Twitter, a user’s timeline is full of posts that they and those they follow create in an order determined by algorithm. While some social media sites might officially refer to such a collection as a page, board, or home, they can all casually be called timelines.Example: To recreate a timeline of events from that evening, we will need as many details as possible.