seniority

noun

se·​nior·​i·​ty sēn-ˈyȯr-ə-tē How to pronounce seniority (audio)
-ˈyär-
1
: the quality or state of being senior : priority
2
: a privileged status attained by length of continuous service (as in a company)

Examples of seniority in a Sentence

Promotions are based on merit and seniority. a teacher with less seniority He has worked here longer than I have, so he has seniority over me.
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.
Strategic and critical thinking are valuable no matter the level of seniority, as is empathy, as marketing is all about connecting with an audience by understanding their needs and motivations. Christine Pilkington, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025 Trevor Norris, deputy assistant secretary for human resources at the Treasury Department, said in court filings that reinstated workers who lack seniority would be disproportionately affected in the upcoming RIF. Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Apr. 2025 The employees involved are not part of a union and do not have the right to displace workers with less seniority. George Avalos, Mercury News, 2 Apr. 2025 In an early 1940s scene from The Years of Lyndon Johnson: The Path to Power, the first book of Robert Caro’s four-volume (so far) biography about the late president, the then-House member vents frustration early at the chamber’s strict seniority system. David Mark, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for seniority

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of seniority was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Seniority.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/seniority. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

seniority

noun
se·​nior·​i·​ty sēn-ˈyȯr-ət-ē How to pronounce seniority (audio)
-ˈyär-
1
: the quality or state of being senior
2
: a privileged position arrived at by length of service

Legal Definition

seniority

noun
se·​nior·​i·​ty sēn-ˈyȯr-ə-tē How to pronounce seniority (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being senior
2
: the senior status attained by length of continuous service (as in a company)
also : the length of such continuous service

More from Merriam-Webster on seniority

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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