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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

Abiding by the sartorial pecking order has become more complicated as the financial industry’s dress code has gotten even more casual since the pandemic.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 7, 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

Injury then gave Marcus Smith the chance to supplant Ford in the pecking order on the 2024 tour of New Zealand, before Fin Smith emerged in last year's Six Nations.

From BBC • Feb. 11, 2026

The pecking order was simple: Students obeyed teachers, and everyone obeyed Miss Mortimer.

From "The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: Book I: The Mysterious Howling" by Maryrose Wood