May 27, 2026 · The meaning of PRECEDENCE is priority of importance or application. How to use precedence in a sentence.

PRECEDENCE definition: 1. the condition of being dealt with before other things or of being considered more important than…. Learn more.

PRECEDENCE definition: act or fact of preceding. See examples of precedence used in a sentence.

Definition of precedence noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

(Government, Politics & Diplomacy) the ceremonial order or priority to be observed by persons of different stations on formal occasions: the officers are seated according to precedence.

If one thing takes precedence over another, it is regarded as more important than the other thing.

Notice the verb "precede" in the noun precedence, and you'll be able to remember that precedence is the act of preceding, of coming before — either in time or in rank.