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

Other free agents to watch by position and alphabetical order, with their ages in 2025.

From Los Angeles Times

The tickets are displayed in alphabetical order on a board at the station, and spaces have been left for each of the missing stops.

From BBC

Here you’ll find a sampling of those suggestions in alphabetical order.

From Los Angeles Times

Here, in alphabetical order by artist’s name — and with a Spotify playlist at the end that collects them all — are the 24 best songs of 2024 so far.

From Los Angeles Times

These are the five vehicles we would consider for the kids in our lives, listed in alphabetical order.

From Seattle Times