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¹order

verb or·der \ˈȯr-dər\

or·deredor·der·ing \ˈȯr-d(ə-)riŋ\

Definition of ORDER

transitive verb

: to put in order : arrange

a : to give an order to : command

b : destine, ordain <so ordered by the gods>

c : to command to go or come to a specified place <ordered back to the base>

d : to give an order for <order a meal>

intransitive verb

: to bring about order : regulate

a : to issue orders : command

b : to give or place an order

— or·der·able \-ə-bəl\ adjective

— or·der·er \-dər-ər\ noun

See order defined for English-language learners

See order defined for kids

Illustration of ORDER

Origin of ORDER

Middle English, from ordre, noun

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to ORDER

Synonyms: arrange, array, classify, codify, dispose, draw up, lay out, marshal (also marshall), organize, range, systematize

Antonyms: derange, disarrange, disarray, disorder, mess (up), muss (up), rumple, upset

Synonym Discussion of ORDER

order, arrange, marshal, organize, systematize, methodize mean to put persons or things into their proper places in relation to each other. order suggests a straightening out so as to eliminate confusion <ordered her business affairs>. arrange implies a setting in sequence, relationship, or adjustment <arranged the files numerically>. marshal suggests gathering and arranging in preparation for a particular operation or effective use <marshaling the facts for argument>. organize implies arranging so that the whole aggregate works as a unit with each element having a proper function <organized the volunteers into teams>. systematize implies arranging according to a predetermined scheme <systematized billing procedures>. methodize suggests imposing an orderly procedure rather than a fixed scheme <methodizes every aspect of daily living>.

synonyms see in addition command

Rhymes with ORDER

boarder, border, corder, hoarder, warder

²order

noun

: a statement made by a person with authority that tells someone to do something : an instruction or direction that must be obeyed

: a specific request asking a company to supply goods or products to a customer

: a product or a group of products that someone has requested from a company

Full Definition of ORDER

a : a group of people united in a formal way: as (1) : a fraternal society <the Masonic Order> (2) : a community under a religious rule; especially : one requiring members to take solemn vows

b : a badge or medal of such a society; also : a military decoration

a : any of the several grades of the Christian ministry

b plural : the office of a person in the Christian ministry

c plural : ordination

a : a rank, class, or special group in a community or society

b : a class of persons or things grouped according to quality, value, or natural characteristics: as (1) : a category of taxonomic classification ranking above the family and below the class (2) : the broadest category in soil classification

a (1) : rank, level <a statesman of the first order> (2) : category, class <in emergencies of this order — R. B. Westerfield>

b (1) : the arrangement or sequence of objects or of events in time <listed the items in order of importance> <the batting order> (2) : a sequential arrangement of mathematical elements

c : degree 12a, b

d (1) : the number of times differentiation is applied successively <derivatives of higher order> (2) of a differential equation : the order of the derivative of highest order

e : the number of columns or rows or columns and rows in a magic square, determinant, or matrix <the order of a matrix with 2 rows and 3 columns is 2 by 3>

f : the number of elements in a finite mathematical group

a (1) : a sociopolitical system <was opposed to changes in the established order> (2) : a particular sphere or aspect of a sociopolitical system <the present economic order>

b : a regular or harmonious arrangement <the order of nature>

a : a prescribed form of a religious service : rite

b : the customary mode of procedure especially in debate <point of order>

a : the state of peace, freedom from confused or unruly behavior, and respect for law or proper authority <promised to restore law and order>

b : a specific rule, regulation, or authoritative direction : command

a : a style of building

b : a type of column and entablature forming the unit of a style

a : state or condition especially with regard to functioning or repair <things were in terrible order>

b : a proper, orderly, or functioning condition <their passports were in order> <the phone is out of order>

a : a written direction to pay money to someone

b : a commission to purchase, sell, or supply goods or to perform work

c : goods or items bought or sold

d : an assigned or requested undertaking <landing men on the moon was a tall order>

: order of the day <flat roofs were the order in the small villages>

— or·der·less \-ləs\ adjective

— in order

: appropriate, desirable <an apology is in order>

— in order to

: for the purpose of

— on order

: in the process of being ordered

— on the order of

: after the fashion of : like <a genius on the order of Newton — D. B. Botkin>

: about, approximately <spent on the order of two million dollars>

— to order

: according to the specifications of an order <shoes made to order>

See order defined for English-language learners

Illustration of ORDER

Origin of ORDER

Middle English, from Anglo-French ordre, from Medieval Latin & Latin; Medieval Latin ordin-, ordo ecclesiastical order, from Latin, arrangement, group, class; akin to Latin ordiri to lay the warp, begin

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to ORDER

Synonyms: arrangement, array, disposal, disposition, distribution, ordering, sequence, setup

Rhymes with ORDER

border, corder, hoarder, warder

ORDER Defined for Kids

¹order

verb or·der \ˈȯr-dər\

or·deredor·der·ing

Definition of ORDER for Kids

: to put into a particular grouping or sequence : arrange <Dictionary entries are ordered alphabetically.>

: to give a command to or for <The general ordered troops into battle.> <I went to the counter to order lunch.>

²order

noun

Definition of ORDER for Kids

: a certain rule or regulation : command <… when he gave orders … everyone knew … that he expected to be obeyed. — Anna Sewell, Black Beauty>

: the arrangement of objects or events in space or time <List the names in alphabetical order.>

: the way something should be <He kept the room in order.>

: the state of things when law or authority is obeyed <Troops restored order after the riot.>

: good working condition <The telephone is out of order.>

: a statement of what a person wants to buy <Place your order for a birthday cake.>

: goods or items bought or sold <an order of pancakes>

: a group of people united (as by living under the same religious rules or by loyalty to common needs or duties) <He belongs to an order of monks.>

orders plural : the office of a person in the Christian ministry <holy orders>

: a group of related living things (as plants or animals) that ranks above the family and below the class in scientific classification <Bats form an order of mammals in the animal kingdom.>

: a written direction to pay a sum of money

— in order that

: so that

— in order to

: for the purpose of