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
Stat padding: The Buffs have occasionally gotten greedy airing it out late in games this season when milking the clock should be a priority.
—
Kyle Newman, The Denver Post, 15 Nov. 2024
But revising them is rarely a priority for state DOTs engaged in a Sisyphean battle against traffic congestion.
—David Zipper, Vox, 13 Nov. 2024
Lopez, first elected to the City Council in 2020, said her priorities remain the same: stabilize the city budget, address homelessness and housing crises and find opportunities for economic development.
—Alexcia Negrete, Orange County Register, 12 Nov. 2024
But Biden didn’t make K-12 education in any way a priority and Harris was nearly silent about it on the campaign trail.
—Pamela Paul, The Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for priority 
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Kyle Newman, The Denver Post, 15 Nov. 2024
But revising them is rarely a priority for state DOTs engaged in a Sisyphean battle against traffic congestion.
—David Zipper, Vox, 13 Nov. 2024
Lopez, first elected to the City Council in 2020, said her priorities remain the same: stabilize the city budget, address homelessness and housing crises and find opportunities for economic development.
—Alexcia Negrete, Orange County Register, 12 Nov. 2024
But Biden didn’t make K-12 education in any way a priority and Harris was nearly silent about it on the campaign trail.
—Pamela Paul, The Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for priority
Dictionary Entries Near priority
Cite this Entry
“Priority.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/priority. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
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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