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

See Examples For:

chain of command

Donaldson quickly rose through the DUP's ranks, no longer a politician of protest but a key figure in the party's chain of command, developing a reputation as a strong media performer and policymaker.

From BBC ● Jun. 22, 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

“The military will not allow a vendor to insert itself into the chain of command by restricting the lawful use of a critical capability and put our warfighters at risk.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 13, 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

“I’ve said for years,” Resch murmured, “that the Boneli Reflex-Arc Test should be applied routinely to police personnel, the higher up the chain of command, the better. Haven’t I, Inspector?”

From "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" by Philip K. Dick

Related Words

• bureaucracy
• hierarchy
• network
• structure