Main Entry: ¹or·der

Pronunciation: \ˈȯr-dər\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): or·dered; or·der·ing \ˈȯr-d(ə-)riŋ\

Etymology: Middle English, from ordre, noun

Date: 13th century

transitive verb 1 : to put in order : arrange
2 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 1 : to bring about order : regulate
2 a : to issue orders : command b : to give or place an order

— or·der·able \-ə-bəl\ adjective

— or·der·er \-dər-ər\ noun

synonyms 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

[order illustration]