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

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

Historically, the Giants have employed a different front-office chain of command, with the head coach reporting to the general manager and the GM to owners Mara and Steve Tisch. —The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2026

So to ensure that everyone is working in harmony, the exec is revamping the usual chain of command; Colgate’s top leaders are hearing out entry-level staffers, stimulating the flow of ideas between ranks and generations to generate the best possible outcome. —Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 9 Jan. 2026

While unconfirmed reports circulated that he may later have been released, those familiar with the situation said his removal from the chain of command was definitive. —Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for chain of command

• analysand
• misunderstand
• ampersand
• beforehand
• behindhand
• bottomland
• contraband
• countermand
• dixieland
• fairyland
• fatherland
• firebrand