the state or quality of being earlier in time, occurrence, etc.
2.
the right to precede others in order, rank, privilege, etc.; precedence.
3.
the right to take precedence in obtaining certain supplies, services, facilities, etc., especially during a shortage.
4.
something given special attention.
adjective
5.
highest or higher in importance, rank, privilege, etc.:
a priority task.
Origin
1350-1400;Middle English < Middle Frenchpriorite < Medieval Latinpriōritās. See prior1, -ity
Related forms
nonpriority, adjective
Examples from the web for priority
This rare and reclusive animal is a major conservation priority in Haiti.
At this year's show we made it a priority to reach out to new customers.
That's why vaccines are the foundation's number one priority.
You can change the priority of any of these factors to increase or decrease their weight in any search.
Safety is our priority.
Give families a higher priority in the housing lottery.
Promoting tourism, obviously, was not at the top of many priority lists.
He made the first step, but now it is not a priority.
We hear about them in letters of recommendation, but hard numbers take priority.
It seems like education reform should be the top priority.
British Dictionary definitions for priority
priority
/praɪˈɒrɪtɪ/
noun (pl) -ties
1.
the condition of being prior; antecedence; precedence
2.
the right of precedence over others
3.
something given specified attention: my first priority
Word Origin and History for priority
n.
late 14c., "state of being earlier," from Old French priorite (14c.), from Medieval Latin prioritatem (nominative prioritas) "fact or condition of being prior," from Latin prior (see prior (adj.)). From c.1400 as "precedence in right or rank."