chain of command
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of chain of command
First recorded in 1910–15
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.
The records show this early evacuation was run up the chain of command, meaning officials handling the emergency should have been aware of it.
From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2026
Cases that merit enhanced scrutiny are moved up the chain of command.
From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2026
It combines three special investigations bureaus from each of the three military branches into one, removing them from any direct chain of command.
From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026
The official said the military wouldn’t allow a vendor to insert itself into the chain of command and put members of the armed services at risk by restricting the lawful use of a critical capability.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026
I didn’t know what a chain of command was, but I could tell what it meant—Sheriff Edwards wanted to help us, but he would have to wait.
From "Root Magic" by Eden Royce
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.
