timeline

American  

[tahym-lahyn] / ˈtaɪmˌlaɪn /

Or time line

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.

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timeline British  

/ 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

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Usage

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.

Etymology

Origin of timeline

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

Example Sentences

Here is a possible timeline for the complicated process of restoring the full international flow of crude oil and liquefied natural gas, as explained by Myra P. Saefong in the Commodities Corner column.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026

Even though carrying Starship along for the journey would add complexity and cost, the shorter mission timeline could significantly lower overall operational expenses.

From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2026

Ray Dalio blew past his own 10-year timeline to give up control of Bridgewater Associates and went through numerous heirs apparent.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

President Donald Trump has given his clearest timeline so far, telling reporters the U.S. would leave Iran within three weeks, with a speech scheduled for Wednesday evening in Washington.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

What was within their control, however, they took pains to bulletproof, even if it meant stretching—then breaking—their timeline.

From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly

Related Words

• agenda
• timetable