primacy

noun

pri·​ma·​cy ˈprī-mə-sē How to pronounce primacy (audio)
1
: the state of being first (as in importance, order, or rank) : preeminence
the primacy of intellectual and esthetic over materialistic valuesT. R. McConnell
2
: the office, rank, or preeminence of an ecclesiastical primate

Examples of primacy in a Sentence

Civil law took primacy over religious law. She has established primacy in her field of study.
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.
Bond market volatility is also calling the dollar’s primacy into question, and the United States’ global credit rating has slid. Rebecca Lissner, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025 The fact that the dollar increased in value against other currencies traditionally perceived as safe havens, such as the Swiss franc and Japanese yen, emphasizes the primacy of king dollar, despite rumblings of de-dollarization and concerns over U.S. government debt. Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 16 June 2025 Visa Direct helps financial institutions to solidify account primacy by embedding real-time cross-border capabilities that keep SMBs transacting within their ecosystem—reducing outflows to other providers, improving future cross-sell opportunities. Visa Contributor, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025 There have been fewer cancellations and better on-time performance, a particular challenge given that Amtrak trains along the northeast corridor have primacy. Dan Barry, New York Times, 18 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for primacy

Word History

Etymology

Middle English primacie, borrowed from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French, borrowed from Medieval Latin prīmātia "office of a primate," from prīmāt-, prīmās "leading bishop in an ecclesiastical province, primate" + Latin -ia -y entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

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Cite this Entry

“Primacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/primacy. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

primacy

noun
pri·​ma·​cy ˈprī-mə-sē How to pronounce primacy (audio)
plural primacies
1
: the state of being first (as in time, place, or rank)
2
: the office or dignity of a bishop of the highest rank
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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