Meaning of the word "pecking order" in English

What does "pecking order" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

pecking order

US /ˈpɛkɪŋ ˈɔːrdər/
UK /ˈpɛkɪŋ ˈɔːdə/

Noun

a hierarchy of status or authority in a group

Example:
There's a clear pecking order in the office, with the CEO at the top.
Even among friends, there's often a subtle pecking order.