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

Koeman decided to pick … neither Valente nor Smit, instead favouring the seniority of Marten de Roon and Quinten Timber — the twin brother of Arsenal defender Jurrien, who is also in the squad. —Carl Anka, New York Times, 27 May 2026

Researchers have begun calling this the seniority cliff. —Cindy Rodriguez Constable, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026

Her institutional knowledge, experience and seniority are especially valuable during this time of upheaval. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 23 May 2026

Some of the employees whose positions were being cut could bump into a vacant position or receive a role based on seniority. —Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 May 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