seniority

noun

se·​nior·​i·​ty sēn-ˈyȯr-ə-tē 

-ˈyär-

1

: the quality or state of being senior : priority

2

: a privileged status attained by length of continuous service (as in a company)

Examples of seniority in a Sentence

Promotions are based on merit and seniority.

a teacher with less seniority

He has worked here longer than I have, so he has seniority over me.

Recent Examples on the Web

Pilots must undergo constant retraining and regular proficiency checks, and the travel schedule can be demanding—especially early in a career when seniority is low. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 13 Mar. 2026

Thompson argues that seniority gets things done in Washington and could chair the Homeland Security Committee if Democrats regain House control. —Sophie Bates, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2026

Some staffers whose jobs are cut could be reassigned, with priority given based on seniority; Superintendent Fabiola Bagula expected that to be the case for about half. —Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026

Green has faced concerns from within the party, which is increasingly unwilling to defer to seniority. —Dallas Morning News, 4 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for seniority

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

Kids Definition

seniority

noun

se·​nior·​i·​ty sēn-ˈyȯr-ət-ē 

-ˈyär-

1

: the quality or state of being senior

2

: a privileged position arrived at by length of service

Legal Definition

seniority

noun

se·​nior·​i·​ty sēn-ˈyȯr-ə-tē 

1

: the quality or state of being senior

2

: the senior status attained by length of continuous service (as in a company)

also : the length of such continuous service