priority
Americannoun
plural
priorities-
the state or quality of being earlier in time, occurrence, etc.
-
the right to precede others in order, rank, privilege, etc.; precedence.
-
the right to take precedence in obtaining certain supplies, services, facilities, etc., especially during a shortage.
-
something given special attention.
adjective
noun
-
the condition of being prior; antecedence; precedence
-
the right of precedence over others
-
something given specified attention
my first priority
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of priority
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Middle French priorite, from Medieval Latin priōritās; see prior 1, -ity
Explanation
When a group or a person cares about one thing over all others, that’s the top priority. “After the flood, finding a place to live became their first priority.” Priority comes from the word prior, which means to come before something else. A priority is the concern, interest or desire that comes before all others. “His first priority was to establish his career and get married later.” “When seeking the perfect wave, Jeff and Wayne made it their priority to be the first surfers on the beach.” "The new CEO's top priority was firing her predecessor's hires."
Vocabulary lists containing priority
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
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List 8
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Bush's Address on 9/11
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Revolution Medicines will submit the results to global regulators, including the Food and Drug Administration as part of a future New Drug Application under a Commissioner’s National Priority Voucher, the company said.
From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026
Here’s the kicker: The FDA in October awarded Disc’s drug a Commissioner’s National Priority voucher, a program established by Dr. Makary with the goal of fast-tracking breakthrough treatments.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 24, 2026
There will be no regular mail delivery on Jan. 1, but Priority Mail Express shipments will be delivered.
From MarketWatch • Dec. 29, 2025
The company responded to bottled water requests and focused on those customers on its Priority Services Register.
From BBC • Dec. 20, 2025
“Why did it have to be Priority shipping?”
From "What If It's Us" by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
