priority
noun
pri·or·i·ty
prī-ˈȯr-ə-tē 
-ˈär-
plural priorities
1
a(1)
: the quality or state of being prior
(2)
: precedence in date or position of publication
—used of taxa
b(1)
: superiority in rank, position, or privilege
(2)
: legal precedence in exercise of rights over the same subject matter
2
: a preferential rating
especially
: one that allocates rights to goods and services usually in limited supply
that project has top priority
3
: something given or meriting attention before competing alternatives
Examples of priority in a Sentence
Reorganizing the sales force will be a top priority for the new president.
Getting the work done on time is a priority for me.
She decided to go to the party instead of studying? Where are her priorities?
I know you want to buy a new stereo, but right now, saving for college has to take priority.
Recent Examples on the Web
Busy schedules often push dental care to the bottom of the priority list.
—
Towncare Dental, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2025
This week, no restaurants in Johnson and Wyandotte counties reached the threshold of seven priority violations.
—Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 14 Apr. 2025
Rates for priority mail, for example, dropped by 5.7%, with some decreasing up to $10.50.
—Saleen Martin, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
Methodical in qualifying, securing pole position on a track where tyre degradation is a priority.
—Kanzah Maktoum, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for priority
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Towncare Dental, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2025
This week, no restaurants in Johnson and Wyandotte counties reached the threshold of seven priority violations.
—Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 14 Apr. 2025
Rates for priority mail, for example, dropped by 5.7%, with some decreasing up to $10.50.
—Saleen Martin, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
Methodical in qualifying, securing pole position on a track where tyre degradation is a priority.
—Kanzah Maktoum, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for priority
Cite this Entry
“Priority.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/priority. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
priority
noun
pri·or·i·ty
prī-ˈȯr-ət-ē
-ˈär-
plural priorities
1
: the quality or state of coming before another in time or importance
2
: a condition of being given attention before others
this project has top priority
Legal Definition
priority
1 of 2 noun
pri·or·i·ty
prī-ˈȯr-ə-tē
plural priorities
: precedence in exercise of rights in the same subject matter
secured interests have priority over unsecured ones
priority
2 of 2 adjective1
: having precedence over another in the exercise of rights in the same subject matter
a priority creditor
a priority claim
2
: of or relating to priority
a priority contest
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