alphabetical

[al-fuh-bet-i-kuhl]

adjective

1. in the order of the letters of the alphabet.

   The list is in alphabetical arrangement.

2. alphabetic.

alphabetical

/ ˌælfəˈbɛtɪkəl /

adjective

1. in the conventional order of the letters or symbols of an alphabet

2. of, characterized by, or expressed by an alphabet

Other Word Forms

• alphabetically adverb
• nonalphabetical adjective
• nonalphabetically adverb
• prealphabetical adjective
• prealphabetically adverb
• unalphabetical adjective
• unalphabetically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of alphabetical¹

First recorded in 1540–50; alphabet + -ical

Example Sentences

The stocks that survived this winnowing process are listed in alphabetical order.

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Here’s a list of Keaton’s 10 most important films, presented in alphabetical order.

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In true Conceptual art form, the notarized documents confirming the transactions are lined up on the wall in alphabetical order, from Alabama and Alaska to Wisconsin and Wyoming, in two rows of 25.

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Here you can read about all of the candidates, in alphabetical order, and their messages to voters.

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Here’s what we were looking for, listed in alphabetical order — and why they could be cause for concern.

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