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 ( def ).

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

Derived Forms

• ˌalphaˈbetically, adverb

Other Words From

• al·pha·bet·i·cal·ly adverb
• non·al·pha·bet·i·cal adjective
• non·al·pha·bet·i·cal·ly adverb
• pre·al·pha·bet·i·cal adjective
• pre·al·pha·bet·i·cal·ly adverb
• un·al·pha·bet·i·cal adjective
• un·al·pha·bet·i·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of alphabetical¹

First recorded in 1540–50; alphabet + -ical

Example Sentences

Below is the full list of nonroster invitees, by position and alphabetical order.

From Washington Post

It’s in the form of 26 chapters arranged alphabetical order.

From Washington Blade

The presiding officer opens the envelopes in alphabetical order, and House and Senate “tellers” read the results aloud.

From Washington Post

The following are 10 of the best business books published in 2020, in alphabetical order by title.

From Fortune

For in the preceding half century, alphabetical systems had spread everywhere.

From Time

Below, listed in alphabetical order by author, are 12 of the best columns from 2012.

From The Daily Beast

An alphabetical list of gentlemen admitted to that society, with the dates of their admission, from 1521 to 1674.

From Project Gutenberg

I now go at once to the first division, naming each plant in its alphabetical order.

From Project Gutenberg

When the numerical index is adopted, an alphabetical index card with cross-references, including the docket index, is used.

From Project Gutenberg

If there are several customers in a town, their cards should be arranged in alphabetical order.

From Project Gutenberg

It's all alphabetical; if you want tomatoes, go to T; if you want salmon—S. Just like a dictionary.

From Project Gutenberg