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
Membership includes priority reservations and complimentary services such as valet parking for one vehicle for up to 30 nights, a car wash, and spa services.
—
Chris Dong, Robb Report, 2 June 2025
Looking ahead, our priorities include deepening supply chain transparency, supporting regenerative farming practices, and expanding programs like rug recycling and material circularity.
—Christopher Marquis, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Higher than those items on his priority list are his faith and his family.
—Jack Milko, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 June 2025
Hemsley will have to reckon with the imperative of striking a better balance in UHG’s priorities.
—Alyson Shontell, Fortune, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for priority
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Chris Dong, Robb Report, 2 June 2025
Looking ahead, our priorities include deepening supply chain transparency, supporting regenerative farming practices, and expanding programs like rug recycling and material circularity.
—Christopher Marquis, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Higher than those items on his priority list are his faith and his family.
—Jack Milko, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 June 2025
Hemsley will have to reckon with the imperative of striking a better balance in UHG’s priorities.
—Alyson Shontell, Fortune, 2 June 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 5 Jun. 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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