primacy

noun

pri·​ma·​cy ˈprī-mə-sē How to pronounce primacy (audio)
1
: the state of being first (as in importance, order, or rank) : preeminence
the primacy of intellectual and esthetic over materialistic valuesT. R. McConnell
2
: the office, rank, or preeminence of an ecclesiastical primate

Examples of primacy in a Sentence

Civil law took primacy over religious law. She has established primacy in her field of study.
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.
During this period, there was a global resurgence in the primacy of gold, particularly towards the end of the nineteenth century due to gold rushes worldwide. Saleem H. Ali, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024 The focus, in other words, was on the primacy of the family unit and strengthening family bonds over all others. Michelle Mastro, JSTOR Daily, 18 Dec. 2024 But what starts as a winking nod at the challenges of parenting ends up a heavy-handed fable about the primacy of human values, with an emphasis on the idea that a gendered role is essential to becoming human. Elvia Wilk, The Atlantic, 18 Dec. 2024 Yet evidence that the primacy of seniority is facing extinction is tougher to find. Mike Lillis, The Hill, 16 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for primacy 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English primacie, borrowed from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French, borrowed from Medieval Latin prīmātia "office of a primate," from prīmāt-, prīmās "leading bishop in an ecclesiastical province, primate" + Latin -ia -y entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of primacy was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near primacy

Cite this Entry

“Primacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/primacy. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

primacy

noun
pri·​ma·​cy ˈprī-mə-sē How to pronounce primacy (audio)
plural primacies
1
: the state of being first (as in time, place, or rank)
2
: the office or dignity of a bishop of the highest rank

More from Merriam-Webster on primacy

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