order of business

noun phrase

: a matter which must be dealt with : task
The budget was the first order of business at the committee meeting.

Examples of order of business in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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That is the first order of business in an offseason in which the Raiders will also look to acquire a franchise quarterback. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 5 Jan. 2026 In his first order of business, Golding was tasked with leading the Rebels into action in arguably the biggest sporting event in the state’s history. The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 21 Dec. 2025 That was the first order of business. Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 19 Dec. 2025 Main order of business right now is seeing how bad Pat’s injury is. Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 15 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for order of business

Word History

Etymology

order of business (predetermined sequence of matters to be dealt with by an assembly)

First Known Use

circa 1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of order of business was circa 1890

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Cite this Entry

“Order of business.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/order%20of%20business. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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