pecking order

variants also peck order
Definition of pecking ordernext
as in hierarchy
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.

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of pecking order Edmonds and Punch are the go-to options on offense, and having that clear pecking order is one reason TCU played its way off the bubble. Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Mar. 2026 The busy schedule, and Goepper’s pecking order in the group, wore on his psyche. Sean Gregory, Time, 18 Feb. 2026 As the Panthers work to set up their draft board in the coming weeks, the college scouting department’s findings will greatly impact the pecking order. Mike Kaye february 17, Charlotte Observer, 17 Feb. 2026 Even Minott has been a net positive, starting 10 games and playing big minutes as a small-ball center before falling down the pecking order. Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 19 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pecking order
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pecking order
Noun
  • The hierarchy at the BayArena are set to replace Kasper Hjulmand at the end of the season.
    Andy Naylor, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Even in private family moments, hierarchy never fully disappears.
    Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The Best Places to Raise a Family ranking provides a comprehensive assessment of key factors that are meaningful for families, according to Niche.
    Chuck Fieldman, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Out of the country's top 100 biggest cities, Pittsburgh requires a comparatively lower salary, ranking 77th.
    Madeline Bartos, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Pecking order.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pecking%20order. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.

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