chain of command

noun phrase

: a series of executive positions in order of authority
a military chain of command

Examples of chain of command in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The groups often operate with their own chain of command and pecking order, each with different goals and levels of influence. Greg Wehner , Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2025 Damascus insisted on rebranding the SDF, retraining, and integrating it under a national chain of command. Hassan Hassan, Time, 11 Oct. 2025 In the absence of a clear chain of command and accountability, industry regulators are more likely to impose broad, restrictive, stifling innovation and creating significant compliance burdens. Nelson Lim, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2025 The feedback conversation is about sharing constructive criticism with your boss and up the chain of command in a way that gets your voice heard and your input taken seriously. Stav Ziv, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for chain of command

Word History

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chain of command was in 1825

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Cite this Entry

“Chain of command.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chain%20of%20command. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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