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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The president’s crackdown has adopted an improvisational approach, not an institutional one, with blurred leadership roles and no clear chain of command. Michael Scherer, The Atlantic, 29 Jan. 2026 Among the benefits of the reorganization will be streamlining decision-making and the chain of command of fire personnel, while coordinating with the DOI’s land management bureaus. Noël Fletcher, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026 Xi has overseen a corruption crackdown, cementing his grip on power, though Zhang’s ouster deals a blow to Beijing’s chain of command that could take years to rebuild, analysts said. Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 26 Jan. 2026 Because of his fear of additional retaliation and the failure to resolve the investigation, the lawsuit says, Seymour requested that arrangements be made so that the battalion chief would not be in his direct chain of command. Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 21 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for chain of command

Word History

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chain of command was in 1825

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Cite this Entry

“Chain of command.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chain%20of%20command. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

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