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
- nonpriority adjective
Etymology
Origin of priority
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Middle French priorite, from Medieval Latin priōritās; prior 1, -ity
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.
"They were really high priority science for us, so the fact that they saw four or five was just outstanding."
From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026
Golfers should give priority to physical foundation, mobility and movement control over just swing speed, and respect recovery to avoid overuse injuries.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026
A spokesperson for the operator said the safety, wellbeing and care of residents "is always our absolute priority" and it works "closely to uphold high standards of care."
From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026
Bass has staked much of her reelection campaign on her handling of the homelessness crisis, which she made a top priority as soon as she took office.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026
He counseled others to take vacations but enjoyed few himself, even if that created the impression that his family was not his highest priority.
From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French
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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.