priority

noun

pri·​or·​i·​ty prī-ˈȯr-ə-tē How to pronounce priority (audio)
-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
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.
Firefighters were in defensive mode against the fire with priority of defending the exposures and preventing extension into the brush. Tom Tapp, Deadline, 9 Jan. 2025 The boutique priorities of the few have crowded out elementary good governance — a problem pronounced in California but apparent wherever the ‘blue state model’ is practiced. Noah Rothman, National Review, 9 Jan. 2025 Our top priority remains the safety of the public, our employees and the responders bravely battling the fires. Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, Fox News, 9 Jan. 2025 Our priority is to support our customers through this incident and to continue our unrelenting focus on data security. Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for priority 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

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

Dictionary Entries Near priority

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

priority

noun
pri·​or·​i·​ty prī-ˈȯr-ət-ē How to pronounce priority (audio)
-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 How to pronounce priority (audio)
plural priorities
: precedence in exercise of rights in the same subject matter
secured interests have priority over unsecured ones

priority

2 of 2 adjective
1
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on priority

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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