The meaning of PRIOR is earlier in time or order. How to use prior in a sentence. Synonym Discussion of Prior.

PRIOR definition: preceding in time or in order; earlier or former; previous. See examples of prior used in a sentence.

Usage Note: Though prior usually modifies a noun that comes after it, as in prior approval, it sometimes modifies a noun for a unit of time which precedes it, as in five years prior.

PRIOR definition: 1. existing or happening before something else, or before a particular time: 2. before a…. Learn more.

Jan 22, 2026 · This adjective has no positive form; rather, it serves as the comparative (prior) and superlative (prīmus) of the preposition prae. (Compare the preposition post, with comparative …

A prior claim or duty is more important than other claims or duties and needs to be dealt with first. The firm I wanted to use had prior commitments.

There are six meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun prior, two of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.