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

Los Alamitos coach Maya De Anda made the 3-point shot a priority on nearly every possession and that strategy proved successful, as the Griffins hit nine 3-pointers by halftime and finished with 13 in the game. —Lou Ponsi, Oc Register, 23 Jan. 2026

Premium discretionary products like Peloton’s bikes and treadmills contend with other consumer priorities, and tighter budgets may further dampen hardware demand. —Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026

At a Kroger in North Richland Hills, shoppers say preparation, not panic, is the priority. —Nicole Nielsen, CBS News, 23 Jan. 2026

For developing countries, reforming the dispute settlement mechanism and restoring a functioning appellate body, the highest court for trade disputes, will be a priority to protect market access and effectively uphold their rights. —Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 22 Jan. 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