hierarchical

adjective

hi·​er·​ar·​chi·​cal ˌhī-(ə-)ˈrär-ki-kəl 

 also  hir-ˈär-

variants or hierarchic

ˌhī-(ə-)ˈrär-kik 

 also  hir-ˈär-

: of, relating to, or arranged in a hierarchy

a hierarchical society

a hierarchical order in the church

hierarchically

ˌhī-(ə-)ˈrär-ki-k(ə-)lē 

 also  hir-ˈär-

adverb

Examples of hierarchical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The French Revolution of 1789 had many causes—political, ideological, economic, and social—yet in its early phases, many people were optimistic about forming a new representative government based on meritocracy and leaving behind an absolutist polity and hierarchical class structures. —Time, 21 Oct. 2025

Here, Garrett describes the experience of working closely with Guadagnino to bring to life a nuanced piece of social commentary set in the cloistered and hierarchical world of academia. —Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 20 Oct. 2025

That natural synergy between music and fashion is something Joey sees as mutual, not hierarchical. —Christopher Claxton, Billboard, 16 Oct. 2025

The traditional layout of closed, hierarchical office spaces has been replaced with an open office concept featuring glass partitions and bright, interconnected rooms, to encourage team collaboration. —Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see hierarchy

First Known Use

1561, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing hierarchical

• anti-hierarchical

Rhymes for hierarchical

• oligarchical
• anarchical

Kids Definition

hierarchical

adjective

hi·​er·​ar·​chi·​cal ˌhī-(ə-)ˈrär-ki-kəl 

variants or hierarchic

-kik 

: of, relating to, or arranged in a hierarchy

hierarchically

-ˈrär-ki-k(ə-)lē 

adverb