priority

noun

pri·​or·​i·​ty prī-ˈȯr-ə-tē How to pronounce priority (audio)
-ˈär-
plural priorities
Synonyms of priority
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

Synonyms of priority

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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.
American Fortress has filed a patent for post-quantum transaction signing, but a filing establishes priority, not proof; its technical paper has not been published, and the design has not been publicly audited. — Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026 All seating at the 1402 West State Street drive through location in Boise is outdoors and guests who order meals get higher priority for tables, according to the outdoor signage. — Hali Smith august 1, Idaho Statesman, 1 Aug. 2026 Asked about the effect the cuts would have on the administration’s priorities for the agency, a spokesperson for Mayor Mamdani referred the Daily News to the TLC. — Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 1 Aug. 2026 His main priorities highlighted in his platform include reigning in national spending, simplifying the tax code, defending the military and Second Amendment, promoting nuclear energy, and securing the border. — Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for priority

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b(1)

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

Phrases Containing priority

Rhymes for priority

See All Rhymes for priority

Browse Nearby Words

prioritize
priority
priorly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Priority.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/priority. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of priority for Spanish Speakers

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