hierarchical

adjective

hi·​er·​ar·​chi·​cal ˌhī-(ə-)ˈrär-ki-kəl How to pronounce hierarchical (audio)
also hir-ˈär-
variants or hierarchic
ˌhī-(ə-)ˈrär-kik How to pronounce hierarchical (audio)
also hir-ˈär-
: of, relating to, or arranged in a hierarchy
a hierarchical society
a hierarchical order in the church
hierarchically
ˌhī-(ə-)ˈrär-ki-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce hierarchical (audio)
also hir-ˈär-
adverb

Examples of hierarchical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Alignment, in practice, means tighter hierarchical agreement at the top and more systematic control throughout the organization. — Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026 Natalie’s is tuned to a distant, hierarchical afterlife where God’s love is less of an all-encompassing conception and more of an elusive, enviable prize. — Heidi Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026 Organization and governance As with most other Anglican churches, the ACK is governed through a hierarchical system of provinces, dioceses, and parishes. — Stephanie Triplettall, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026 The stage itself is a hierarchical tool, and the person upon it has the power to dictate its terms, for better or worse. — Hanif Abdurraqib, New Yorker, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for hierarchical

Word History

Etymology

see hierarchy

First Known Use

1561, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hierarchical was in 1561

Phrases Containing hierarchical

Rhymes for hierarchical

See All Rhymes for hierarchical

Browse Nearby Words

hierarchal
hierarchical
hierarchism
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hierarchical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hierarchical. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

hierarchical

adjective
hi·​er·​ar·​chi·​cal ˌhī-(ə-)ˈrär-ki-kəl How to pronounce hierarchical (audio)
variants or hierarchic
-kik How to pronounce hierarchical (audio)
: of, relating to, or arranged in a hierarchy
hierarchically
-ˈrär-ki-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce hierarchical (audio)
adverb

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