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Showing results for pecking order.
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.

Tyler Fletcher – Son of former United midfielder Darren, Tyler Fletcher seems to have nudged slightly ahead of twin brother Jack in the Old Trafford pecking order.

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

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

No matter how exclusive the party, there’s always a pecking order, and the coolest people—the actors—hang out in a room that’s off-limits.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 19, 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

A family name alone was enough to place someone in the pecking order.

From "Class Matters" by The New York Times