higher-up

[ hahy-er-uhp ]

noun

, Informal.

1. a person in a position of higher authority in an organization; superior.

higher-up

noun

1. informal.
   a person of higher rank or in a superior position

Word History and Origins

Origin of higher-up¹

1910–15, Americanism; noun use of adj. phrase higher up

Example Sentences

“This alleged incident didn’t come up,” an unnamed higher-up in the transition team told Vanity Fair.

From Salon

At least five of the women reported the abuse to a higher-up at the time, according to the lawsuits.

From Los Angeles Times

"Another participant exhibited more symmetric use but also compensated with their less-affected side slightly more often for higher-up points that were close to the mid-line."

From Science Daily

If a higher-up criticized a story she handled, she took full blame.

From Seattle Times

“The more women, especially women of color, that we have in the higher-up positions and as owners, the better the industry can become for more women wanting to enter this industry.”

From Washington Post