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
Every single order that is given to this United States military by this commander in chief and through this chain of command through the secretary of war is lawful.
—
NBC news, 23 Nov. 2025
The video could spark chaos within the military chain of command and lead to deaths, Leavitt said.
—Laura Gersony, AZCentral.com, 22 Nov. 2025
What appeared more likely was that some aide or speechwriter had nudged the term up the chain of command until it could be presented to him as a spell to be cast on his audience.
—Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 22 Nov. 2025
And although victims have 45 days to file a harassment report, commanders must notify their chain of command within 48 hours if an incident sparks potential interest from the media or Congress.
—Nicole Sganga, CBS News, 21 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chain of command
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.
NBC news, 23 Nov. 2025
The video could spark chaos within the military chain of command and lead to deaths, Leavitt said.
—Laura Gersony, AZCentral.com, 22 Nov. 2025
What appeared more likely was that some aide or speechwriter had nudged the term up the chain of command until it could be presented to him as a spell to be cast on his audience.
—Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 22 Nov. 2025
And although victims have 45 days to file a harassment report, commanders must notify their chain of command within 48 hours if an incident sparks potential interest from the media or Congress.
—Nicole Sganga, CBS News, 21 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chain of command
Cite this Entry
“Chain of command.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chain%20of%20command. Accessed 5 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share