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

Selected in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Benton has helped the Steelers address a number of priorities. — Mike Defabo, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026

Silva asserted that most experienced creators who hone their focus on key brands and franchises know how to plug themselves in to the company’s priorities. — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026

If your priorities are safety, passenger room and long-term reliability, the Honda Pilot remains one of the best choices in the midsize SUV segment. — John Paul Senior Manager Public Affairs and Traffic Safety Aaa Northeast, Hartford Courant, 15 Aug. 2026

In the past, people like Calderón with pending USCIS applications or immigration court cases weren't priorities for detention. — Sergio Martínez-Beltrán, NPR, 15 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