chain of command

American  

noun

1. a series of administrative or military ranks, positions, etc., in which each has direct authority over the one immediately below.

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Etymology

Origin of chain of command

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

Cases that merit enhanced scrutiny are moved up the chain of command.

From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2026

The procedure seems obvious now, but it established a chain of command that had previously varied from venue to venue.

From BBC • Mar. 21, 2026

Firefighters said they adhered to the LAFD’s strict chain of command and did not question higher-ups, while those in charge had fuzzy memories or shifted responsibility to others.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2026

"The chain of command within Iran's armed forces is unclear," said Farhad Mammadov, head of the Baku-based South Caucasus Studies Center.

From Barron's • Mar. 6, 2026

Jahrling, a civilian, had decided to notify the military chain of command.

From "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston

Related Words

• bureaucracy
• hierarchy
• network
• structure