arrange

play

verb ar·range \ə-ˈrānj\

Definition of arrange

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
3a : to adapt (a musical composition) by scoring for voices or instruments other than those for which originally writtenb : 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

play \ə-ˈrān-jər\ noun

See arrange defined for English-language learners

See arrange defined for kids

Examples of arrange in a Sentence

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 of arrange from the Web

What better illustration of outsider-dom and moral superiority than a character standing to one side grimly observing the mother of the bride arrange the expensive and wrong flowers in anxious sprays.

— rosa lyster, The Cut, "Why Weddings in Books Are Always Terrible," 20 July 2017
Easels holding different maps and sounding boards were arranged in the center of the room.

— allan vought, The Aegis, "At a community forum, a hopeful view emerges about Edgewood's future," 19 July 2017
The Pentagon war crimes prosecutor has arranged for a separate boat to ferry the USS Cole case judge and his staff across Guantánamo Bay in what is emerging as a possible resolution to a war court standoff that has paralyzed the 9/11 trial.

— carol rosenberg, miamiherald, "A $300 boat ride may resolve dispute, restart Guantánamo hearings," 17 July 2017
Factory rep who knew Brooks, Hodgson arranged a meeting.

— michael phillips, chicagotribune.com, "'Mystery Science Theater 3000 Live': Egad, it's 'Eegah'!," 13 July 2017
Drizzle beets with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, then arrange on the grill.

— The Courier-Journal, "Xtras recipe of the day: Grilled beets," 12 July 2017
However, caecilian cusps are arranged labiolingually while those of brachystelechids are aligned anteroposteriorly.

— darren naish, Scientific American Blog Network, "The Microsaurs of Yore," 7 July 2017
A Valparaiso woman who helped her twin sister arrange a burglary in Kouts where the twin's boyfriend got shot in the leg was sentenced to 20 years on Tuesday.

— james d. wolf jr., Post-Tribune, "Twin gets 20 years for her role in Kouts burglary, shooting," 27 June 2017
However, the episode delivered a major #plottwist when Catherine rejected Lyle's carefully arranged marriage proposal on camera.

— emily selter, Town & Country, "Southern Charm Savannah Episode 8 Recap: A Disastrous Proposal," 27 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'arrange.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of arrange

Middle English arangen, from Middle French arenger, from a- + renger to set in ranks, from renc, ranc row — more at rank

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1601

See Words from the same year

Synonym Discussion of 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

ARRANGE Defined for English Language Learners

arrange

play

verb

Definition of arrange for English Language Learners

: to move and organize (things) into a particular order or position
: to give a particular order or position to the parts of (something)
: to organize the details of something before it happens : to plan (something)

ARRANGE Defined for Kids

arrange

play

verb ar·range \ə-ˈrānj\

Definition of arrange for Students

arranged

;

arranging

1 : to put in order and especially a particular order The books were arranged by subject.
2 : to make plans for arrange a meeting
3 : to come to an agreement about : settle arrange a truce
4 : to to write or change (a piece of music) to suit particular voices or instruments