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

Synonyms of priority

• precedence

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

As with so many social and cultural issues in Iran, the wearing of the hijab seems to some a misplaced priority at a time of conflict and economic crisis. — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026

Election integrity has become a key policy priority under Trump throughout the summer, as the president has repeatedly called for the passage of the SAVE America Act, which would require voters to provide proof of citizenship and a photo ID to vote. — Carter Schroppe, The Washington Examiner, 22 Aug. 2026

Our absolute priority right now is providing unwavering support to their families, friends, and teammates during this devastating time. — Jack Moore, ABC News, 21 Aug. 2026

Sina Toossi, a senior fellow at the think tank Center for International Policy in Washington, told NPR that ideological hard-liners now have control of parts of Iran's government and that the economy is not their priority. — Npr Staff, NPR, 21 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing priority

• give priority
• have priority
• take priority

Rhymes for priority

• authority
• majority
• minority
• seniority
• sonority
• sorority
• exteriority
• inferiority
• superiority

Kids 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 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