priority
noun
pri·or·i·ty
prī-ˈȯr-ə-tē 
-ˈär-
plural priorities
1
a(1)
: the quality or state of being prior
(2)
: precedence in date or position of publication
—used of taxa
b(1)
: superiority in rank, position, or privilege
(2)
: legal precedence in exercise of rights over the same subject matter
2
: a preferential rating
especially
: one that allocates rights to goods and services usually in limited supply
that project has top priority
3
: something given or meriting attention before competing alternatives
Examples of priority in a Sentence
Reorganizing the sales force will be a top priority for the new president.
Getting the work done on time is a priority for me.
She decided to go to the party instead of studying? Where are her priorities?
I know you want to buy a new stereo, but right now, saving for college has to take priority.
Recent Examples on the Web
His top priority: Make sure the number of Republicans unwilling to continue funding the war effort doesn’t get any bigger.
—
Erin B. Logan, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2023
Durability For anything that’s going to be used outdoors, durability is a priority to withstand the elements for long-term use.
—L.a. Hubilla, Peoplemag, 21 Sep. 2023
In what could be considered a sign of where Freeform ranks within Disney’s internal priorities, the network now no longer has one executive whose job is to focus entirely on the network.
—Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Sep. 2023
Critics of further aid maintain that the war is not central to America’s national interest and the money would be better spent at home on border security or other priorities.
—Peter Baker, New York Times, 19 Sep. 2023
Right now, the nonprofit’s main priority is preserving the historic façade of the building.
—Margaret Kates | Mkates@al.com, al, 19 Sep. 2023
That’s largely seen as an attempt by OPEC members to look out for their own domestic priorities, given how heavily oil revenues backstop public budgets in those countries.
—Kate Aronoff, The New Republic, 19 Sep. 2023
In its plan, the WHO makes the point that battling hypertension ought to be a priority for nations not just out of compassion, but to save money as well.
—WIRED, 19 Sep. 2023
The fifth district is said to be a top priority for Democrats and represents a critical opportunity for the party to flip the U.S. House blue and regain control.
—Melissa Noel, Essence, 19 Sep. 2023
See More
Erin B. Logan, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2023
Durability For anything that’s going to be used outdoors, durability is a priority to withstand the elements for long-term use.
—L.a. Hubilla, Peoplemag, 21 Sep. 2023
In what could be considered a sign of where Freeform ranks within Disney’s internal priorities, the network now no longer has one executive whose job is to focus entirely on the network.
—Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Sep. 2023
Critics of further aid maintain that the war is not central to America’s national interest and the money would be better spent at home on border security or other priorities.
—Peter Baker, New York Times, 19 Sep. 2023
Right now, the nonprofit’s main priority is preserving the historic façade of the building.
—Margaret Kates | Mkates@al.com, al, 19 Sep. 2023
That’s largely seen as an attempt by OPEC members to look out for their own domestic priorities, given how heavily oil revenues backstop public budgets in those countries.
—Kate Aronoff, The New Republic, 19 Sep. 2023
In its plan, the WHO makes the point that battling hypertension ought to be a priority for nations not just out of compassion, but to save money as well.
—WIRED, 19 Sep. 2023
The fifth district is said to be a top priority for Democrats and represents a critical opportunity for the party to flip the U.S. House blue and regain control.
—Melissa Noel, Essence, 19 Sep. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'priority.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)
Time Traveler
The first known use of priority was
in the 14th century
Phrases Containing priority
Dictionary Entries Near priority
Cite this Entry
“Priority.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/priority. Accessed 4 Oct. 2023.
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Kids Definition
priority
noun
pri·or·i·ty
prī-ˈȯr-ət-ē
-ˈär-
plural priorities
1
: the quality or state of coming before another in time or importance
2
: a condition of being given attention before others
this project has top priority
Legal Definition
priority
1 of 2 noun
pri·or·i·ty
prī-ˈȯr-ə-tē
plural priorities
: precedence in exercise of rights in the same subject matter
secured interests have priority over unsecured ones
priority
2 of 2 adjective1
: having precedence over another in the exercise of rights in the same subject matter
a priority creditor
a priority claim
2
: of or relating to priority
a priority contest
More from Merriam-Webster on priority
Nglish: Translation of priority for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of priority for Arabic Speakers
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