Simple Definition of pecking order

from our Learner's Dictionary

pecking order

noun

plural pecking orders
: the way in which people or things in a group or organization are placed in a series of levels with different importance or status
As an assistant manager, he was pretty low in the company's pecking order.
the pecking order of Washington politics

Cite this Entry

“Pecking order.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/pecking%20order. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on pecking order

More from Merriam-Webster