priority

noun

pri·​or·​i·​ty prī-ˈȯr-ə-tē 

-ˈär-

plural priorities

1

a(1)

: the quality or state of being prior

(2)

: precedence in date or position of publication

—used of taxa

b(1)

: superiority in rank, position, or privilege

(2)

: legal precedence in exercise of rights over the same subject matter

2

: a preferential rating

especially : one that allocates rights to goods and services usually in limited supply

that project has top priority

3

: something given or meriting attention before competing alternatives

Synonyms of priority

• precedence

Examples of priority in a Sentence

Reorganizing the sales force will be a top priority for the new president.

Getting the work done on time is a priority for me.

She decided to go to the party instead of studying? Where are her priorities?

I know you want to buy a new stereo, but right now, saving for college has to take priority.

Recent Examples on the Web

Shapiro, who was a finalist in Harris' search for a running mate in 2024, highlighted both his electability and his commitment to African American priorities while on stage. —ABC News, 9 Apr. 2026

The five projects are part of the larger $4 billion Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative to advance 20 priority transportation projects across the state. —Natalia Jaramillo, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Apr. 2026

Spanberger said that immigration enforcement and law enforcement priorities, such as safety and security, weren’t aligned. —Asher Notheis, The Washington Examiner, 9 Apr. 2026

These policies include preferential treatment for the Bumiputera, including priority consideration for public university spaces and government jobs, and discounts for business licenses. —Angelica Ang, Fortune, 9 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b(1)

Phrases Containing priority

• give priority
• have priority
• take priority

Rhymes for priority

• authority
• majority
• minority
• seniority
• sonority
• sorority
• exteriority
• inferiority
• superiority

Kids Definition

priority

noun

pri·​or·​i·​ty prī-ˈȯr-ət-ē 

-ˈär-

plural priorities

1

: the quality or state of coming before another in time or importance

2

: a condition of being given attention before others

this project has top priority

Legal Definition

priority

1 of 2 noun

pri·​or·​i·​ty prī-ˈȯr-ə-tē 

plural priorities

: precedence in exercise of rights in the same subject matter

secured interests have priority over unsecured ones

priority

2 of 2 adjective

1

: having precedence over another in the exercise of rights in the same subject matter

a priority creditor

a priority claim

2

: of or relating to priority

a priority contest