seniority

noun

se·​nior·​i·​ty sēn-ˈyȯr-ə-tē 

-ˈyär-

1

: the quality or state of being senior : priority

2

: a privileged status attained by length of continuous service (as in a company)

Examples of seniority in a Sentence

Promotions are based on merit and seniority.

a teacher with less seniority

He has worked here longer than I have, so he has seniority over me.

Recent Examples on the Web

Murphy is expected to appoint Kim to serve the remainder of Menendez’s term before his own term begins to help give Kim seniority over other incoming senators. —Jared Gans, The Hill, 6 Nov. 2024

His campaign has focused on his legislative achievements and his seniority. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024

Structuring time off by seniority can breed resentment. —Expert Panel®, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

Even so, their seniority isn’t always enough to bat away the financial blues. —Alicia Adamczyk, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

seniority

noun

se·​nior·​i·​ty sēn-ˈyȯr-ət-ē 

-ˈyär-

1

: the quality or state of being senior

2

: a privileged position arrived at by length of service

Legal Definition

seniority

noun

se·​nior·​i·​ty sēn-ˈyȯr-ə-tē 

1

: the quality or state of being senior

2

: the senior status attained by length of continuous service (as in a company)

also : the length of such continuous service