arrange

1 of 2

verb

ar·​range ə-ˈrānj 

arranged; arranging

transitive verb

1

: to put into a proper order or into a correct or suitable sequence, relationship, or adjustment

arrange flowers in a vase

arrange cards alphabetically

2

: to make preparations for : plan

arranged a reception for the visitor

3

a

: to adapt (a musical composition) by scoring for voices or instruments other than those for which originally written

b

: orchestrate

4

: to bring about an agreement or understanding concerning : settle

arrange an exchange of war prisoners

intransitive verb

1

: to bring about an agreement or understanding

She arranged to have a table at the restaurant.

2

: to make preparations : plan

He arranged for a vacation with his family.

arranger

ə-ˈrān-jər 

noun

arranger

2 of 2

noun

ar·​rang·​er ə-ˈrān-jər also a- 

plural -s

1

: one that arranges

2

: one that transcribes music for voices or instruments for which it was not originally written or adapts it to a style suitable to a particular group of performers

called also adapter

Synonyms of arrange

Verb

• decide
• choose

Choose the Right Synonym for arrange

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

Examples of arrange in a Sentence

Verb

She arranged her pictures on her desk.

He arranged some fresh fruit neatly on a plate.

arranging flowers in a vase

We arranged and rearranged the order several times.

She arranged her hair on top of her head.

Please arrange a meeting with your partners.

I think we can arrange a deal.

Let's arrange our schedules so that we can meet for lunch.

You'll need to arrange transportation from the airport.

He arranged her last two albums.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

An outside team of professionals leads visitors through a two-hour flower arranging session. —Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026

Books arranged by hue, a ceiling tile bears signatures of students from years past and small treasures hide in corners -- each one marking a moment of pride. —Arkansas Online, 21 June 2026

Stock pet supplies, wash mildew-prone laundry, put mail or packages on hold, or arrange for someone to collect them. —Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 June 2026

Angelina Guatemala, 64, counted on federal food stamps after retiring a couple of years ago in Ogden, Kansas, from assorted jobs arranging flowers, decorating cakes in shops, and preparing meals. —Bart Jansen, USA Today, 19 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English arengen "to draw up in ranks," borrowed from Anglo-French arenger (continental Old French arengier) "to draw up in ranks, put in proper order," from a-, prefix forming transitive verbs (going back to Latin ad- ad-) + rengier, ranger "to set in ranks," derivative of renc, ranc "line of soldiers, jousting lists, line or rank of persons or things" — more at rank entry 1

Note: Though appearing once as Middle English arengen, and in early Scots, the verb arrange is very rare in English literature before the late eighteenth century and is in effect a reborrowing of modern French arranger (the regular outcome of Old French arengier), to which it owes its current meanings.

First Known Use

Verb

1601, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing arrange

• pre-arrange

Rhymes for arrange

• derange
• estrange
• exchange
• midrange
• change
• grange
• mange
• range
• strange
• interchange
• rearrange

Kids Definition

arrange

verb

ar·​range ə-ˈrānj 

arranged; arranging

1

: to put in order

especially : to put in a particular order

arrange books on shelves

2

: to make plans for

arrange a program

3

: to come to an agreement about : settle

arrange a time for the meeting

4

: to make a musical arrangement of

arranger noun