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Definitions

pecking order

NOUN
hierarchy
Synonyms
STRONGEST
food chain hierarchy power structure social structure
WEAK
chain of command class structure corporate ladder dominance due order echelons grouping line of dominance order placing position ranking scale social hierarchy social ladder social pyramid social stratification

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.

The No. 55 draft pick in 2024, Bronny has surpassed Dalton Knecht, the 17th pick in that same draft, in the Lakers’ pecking order.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 28, 2026

That sent chills down the spines of Motor City executives who fretted—fairly perhaps—about safety and their pecking order in the world.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 22, 2026

The artificial-intelligence trade is upending the long-standing pecking order of Big Tech valuations as investors hunt for the next big winners and losers.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 19, 2026

"You can play once or twice for your country, struggle to pick up a contract and then slip down the pecking order."

From BBC • Feb. 13, 2026

Still, there was a clear pecking order based on this accommodation, and he lorded it over the others.

From "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate" by Jacqueline Kelly