hierarchical

adjective

hi·​er·​ar·​chi·​cal ˌhī-(ə-)ˈrär-ki-kəl 

also hir-ˈär-

variants or hierarchic

ˌhī-(ə-)ˈrär-kik 

also hir-ˈär-

: of, relating to, or arranged in a hierarchy

a hierarchical society

a hierarchical order in the church

hierarchically

ˌhī-(ə-)ˈrär-ki-k(ə-)lē 

also hir-ˈär-

adverb

Examples of hierarchical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Cultural divides between large hierarchical corporations and small, agile start-ups are the rule, not the exception. —Serguei Netessine, Fortune, 28 May 2026

The person who sends a one-word acknowledgment may not intend to signal authority, but the effect can still be hierarchical. —Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026

The linear and hierarchical progression of a traditional text is replaced in hypertext by a series of alternative pathways that allow access to content chunks or nodes by means of electronic links. —Carmen Daniela Maier, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 May 2026

To replicate this biological advantage, Guo’s team designed a three-pillar framework based on dynamic landmark recognition, experiential memory, and hierarchical decision-making. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 25 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

see hierarchy

First Known Use

1561, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing hierarchical

• anti-hierarchical

Rhymes for hierarchical

• anarchical
• monarchical
• oligarchical

Kids Definition

hierarchical

adjective

hi·​er·​ar·​chi·​cal ˌhī-(ə-)ˈrär-ki-kəl 

variants or hierarchic

-kik 

: of, relating to, or arranged in a hierarchy

hierarchically

-ˈrär-ki-k(ə-)lē 

adverb