higher-up

noun

high·​er-up ˌhī-ər-ˈəp How to pronounce higher-up (audio)
ˈhī-ər-ˌəp
: a superior officer or official

Examples of higher-up 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.
Or could a relationship with a higher-up lead to mentorship and professional growth? Emily Nix, Fortune, 9 Nov. 2025 In a recent report, Zach Gelb of Audacy said Meyer spoke to Penn State higher-ups with interest in taking over as the football program's next head coach. Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2025 One of the higher-ups felt my title Stairway to Heaven would be confused with the 1939 movie of the same name. Cameron Crowe, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 2025 Conversely, a company culture that prizes 'being yourself' over social etiquette is likely to enable bad behavior, especially from higher-ups, according to Chamorro-Premuzic. Sophie Caldwell, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2025 The tray also has a second, higher-up row of cutouts to match the bottom edge of MicroATX reverse-connector boards. PC Magazine, 21 Oct. 2025 But higher-ups, too, have noticed a difference. Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2025 This is an opportunity to stand firm as a leader, navigating important discussions with higher-ups, while still holding onto your integrity. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025 The higher-ups are disbelieving, but Alex points out that the network has a fancy new AI that can replicate her voice in a zillion languages. Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 24 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of higher-up was in 1902

Cite this Entry

“Higher-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/higher-up. Accessed 17 Nov. 2025.

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