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

None of the workers are represented by a union and none have the right to displace another worker, even if the affected employee has seniority. — George Avalos, Mercury News, 28 July 2026

These June 30 rejections include supplemental health benefits, a night shift differential, geographic pay differential, a recruitment and retention proposal, seniority differential and overtime meal benefits, according to the complaint. — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 24 July 2026

Organizations often pair people based on titles, departments, seniority or availability. — Kent Merrell, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Graham leaves a major void in the Senate, where seniority can determine influence. — Meg Kinnard, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 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