chain of command

noun phrase

: a series of executive positions in order of authority

a military chain of command

Examples of chain of command in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has redefined the department’s public posture around slogans of lethality and aggression while overhauling everything from the military’s chain of command to its integration of artificial intelligence into targeting and battlefield decision-making. —Nik Popli, Time, 8 June 2026

Yes, a military officer in the nuclear chain of command might refuse such an order as unlawful. —Steven Andreasen, Twin Cities, 7 June 2026

The records show this early evacuation was run up the chain of command, meaning officials handling the emergency should have been aware of it. —Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026

Landau quickly implemented a strict hierarchy at the agency, requiring subordinates to work up a chain of command before contacting her — an about-face from Frolich’s collaborative approach, attorneys said. —Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 27 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for chain of command

• analysand
• misunderstand
• ampersand
• beforehand
• behindhand
• bottomland
• contraband
• countermand
• dixieland
• fairyland
• fatherland
• firebrand