A sequence is a series of things that follow each other in a particular order. When you count 2, 4, 6, 8, you're following a sequence where each number is two more than the one before it. The alphabet is a sequence of letters, and the instructions for a science experiment form a sequence of steps.

In mathematics, sequences are patterns of numbers arranged according to a rule. The Fibonacci sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8...) creates each new number by adding the previous two numbers together. Recognizing sequences helps you predict what comes next, whether you're solving a puzzle or identifying patterns in nature.

The word also describes connected events in stories or movies. An action sequence in a film shows related events happening one after another: the hero spots danger, runs toward it, and battles the villain. A dream sequence shows what a character imagines while sleeping.

When things happen in sequence, they occur in the proper order, like following a recipe step by step. If you do something out of sequence, you might skip ahead or mix up the order, which could cause problems. Scientists studying DNA study the sequence of molecules that carry genetic information. Understanding sequences helps you see how individual parts connect to form larger patterns and stories.