seniority

noun

se·​nior·​i·​ty sēn-ˈyȯr-ə-tē 

-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

In addition, Lutes allegedly ignored the fire chief’s suggestion to reassign his son to another group — a move that would have resulted in his son’s loss of seniority. —Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 27 Mar. 2026

To help the proceedings run smoothly, the justices asked their questions in order of seniority, rather than the normal free-for-all. —Ella Lee, The Hill, 25 Mar. 2026

Many of the notices are withdrawn by May 15 — the last day final layoff notices can be given — as districts make decisions about seniority. —Edsource, Daily News, 16 Mar. 2026

The Senate places a premium on seniority, however. —Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for seniority

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

Kids Definition

seniority

noun

se·​nior·​i·​ty sēn-ˈyȯr-ət-ē 

-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 

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