hierarchical

adjective

hi·​er·​ar·​chi·​cal ˌhī-(ə-)ˈrär-ki-kəl How to pronounce hierarchical (audio)
 also  hir-ˈär-
variants or hierarchic
ˌhī-(ə-)ˈrär-kik How to pronounce hierarchical (audio)
 also  hir-ˈär-
: of, relating to, or arranged in a hierarchy
a hierarchical society
a hierarchical order in the church
hierarchically
ˌhī-(ə-)ˈrär-ki-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce hierarchical (audio)
 also  hir-ˈär-
adverb

Examples of hierarchical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Cornell found that flatter, more egalitarian teams produced more novel and innovative outcomes compared to hierarchical ones. Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024 Whereas charity involves a giver and a receiver, and implicitly sets up a hierarchical relationship between them, mutual aid is a voluntary exchange among equals. Sigal Samuel, Vox, 18 Nov. 2024 Newcastle have not clarified the exact hierarchical delineations of the new-look structure, but Hodges will technically answer more directly to Bunce than Howe, which represents a change. Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 25 July 2024 Kern explains that vultures have a hierarchical social structure, where dominant individuals have priority access to food resources and breeding opportunities. Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for hierarchical 

Word History

Etymology

see hierarchy

First Known Use

1561, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hierarchical was in 1561

Dictionary Entries Near hierarchical

Cite this Entry

“Hierarchical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hierarchical. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

hierarchical

adjective
hi·​er·​ar·​chi·​cal ˌhī-(ə-)ˈrär-ki-kəl How to pronounce hierarchical (audio)
variants or hierarchic
: of, relating to, or arranged in a hierarchy
hierarchically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on hierarchical

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