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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

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

The Nigerian has been limited to just over 200 minutes of Premier League action as injuries have pushed him down the pecking order at the City Ground.

From Barron's • Jan. 26, 2026

Hedge funds are back on top of Wall Street’s pecking order.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 24, 2026

Put ten people in a room and a pecking order soon emerges.

From "Class Matters" by The New York Times