hierarchical

adjective

hi·er·ar·chi·cal ˌhī-(ə-)ˈrär-ki-kəl

also hir-ˈär-

variants or hierarchic

ˌhī-(ə-)ˈrär-kik

also hir-ˈär-

: of, relating to, or arranged in a hierarchy

a hierarchical society

a hierarchical order in the church

hierarchically

ˌhī-(ə-)ˈrär-ki-k(ə-)lē

also hir-ˈär-

adverb

Examples of hierarchical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Kern explains that vultures have a hierarchical social structure, where dominant individuals have priority access to food resources and breeding opportunities. —

Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2024 It was determined that Viking Norway was less hierarchical and more violent than Viking Denmark, where the 6 percent of the population who died violently were almost always formally executed. —

Yiyun Li, Harper's Magazine, 23 Sep. 2024 Quakerism is a very decentralized religion, very flat, not hierarchical at all. —

Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 2 Aug. 2024 Workplace dynamics: Office politics, gossip, toxic personalities, and hierarchical structures can negatively impact employee morale and collaboration. —

Timothy Papandreou, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for hierarchical