order

verb

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or·der | \ ˈȯr-dər

ordered; ordering\ ˈȯr-d(ə-)riŋ

Definition of order

(Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to put in order : arrange The books are ordered alphabetically by author.

2a : to give an order to : command They ordered everyone out of the house.

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 I ordered the books from the company's website. The judge ordered a new trial.

intransitive verb

1 : to bring about order : regulate a renascence of the spirit that orders and controls— H. G. Wells

2a : to issue orders : command The general orders and soldiers obey.

b : to give or place an order Be sure to order before it's too late.

order

noun

Definition of order (Entry 2 of 2)

1a : a group of people united in a formal way: such 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

2a : any of the several grades of the Christian ministry

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

c orders plural : ordination

3a : 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: such as

(1) : a category of taxonomic classification ranking above the family and below the class

(2) : the broadest category in soil classification

4a(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 sense 12a

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

5a(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

6a : a prescribed form of a religious service : rite

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

7a : 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

8a : a style of building

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

9a : 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

10a : 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

11 : order of the day flat roofs were the order in the small villages

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

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

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

to order

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

Other Words from order Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about order

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Choose the Right Synonym for order

Verb

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

Examples of order in a Sentence

Verb They ordered everyone out of the house. The soldiers were ordered back to the base. “Stop! Drop your weapon!” ordered the officer. The court threw out the conviction and ordered a new trial. The judge ordered that the charges be dismissed. He was accused of ordering the murder of his wife. I ordered the books from the company's Web site. The shirt you ordered should arrive in the mail in a couple of days. To order, call the number at the bottom of your screen. Order now and receive a free gift! Noun That's an order, not a request! Failing to comply with an order will result in the loss of your job. She received an order to appear in court. They can't close down the school without an order from the governor's office. The mayor gave an order to evacuate the city. It's not his fault. He was only following orders. I'm not taking orders from you! You're not my boss. The city was evacuated by order of the mayor. The store received an order for 200 roses this morning. They had trouble filling large customer orders.

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb Pre-order dinner through The Rustic Grill; your meal can be delivered to your car during the movie. — Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland, "Halloween activities, events throughout Greater Cleveland 2020: List," 7 Oct. 2020 Customers can pre-order Thursday ahead of the laptops’ availability on Oct. 13, Surface Vice President Pete Kyriacou said. — Dina Bass, Bloomberg.com, "Microsoft Unveils Cheapest Surface Laptop Model Starting at $549," 1 Oct. 2020 International fans who pre-order the album will get an exclusive lyric note and postcard included with their purchase from Weverse. — Tamara Fuentes, Seventeen, "Everything We Know About BTS's New Album "BE"," 28 Sep. 2020 Customers must pre-order at least 48 hours in advance, which is a way of making sure that the restaurant isn’t overloaded with orders all at once, says Covell. — Esther Mobley, SFChronicle.com, "New S.F. cocktail delivery service aims to take to-go drinks out of takeout containers," 21 Sep. 2020 In past years, select locations allowed customers to pre-order their holiday meal. — Shanon Maglente, Good Housekeeping, "13 Places to Buy Fully Cooked Thanksgiving Dinner, Sides and Dessert," 20 Aug. 2020 Attendees can also pre-order food and drink to be picked up upon their arrival. — Cailey Rizzo, Travel + Leisure, "The UK Opened a Socially Distant Concert Venue With Viewing Platforms to Keep Guests Safe," 13 Aug. 2020 This style, which retails around $3,250, is available now for pre-order only through sales@repossi.com. — Katie Attardo, Marie Claire, "Repossi Created a Ring to Benefit Victims of the Beirut Explosion," 6 Aug. 2020 So everybody should pre-order her book, Transcendent Kingdom. — Lale Arikoglu, Condé Nast Traveler, "We’ve Got Even More Book Suggestions: Women Who Travel Podcast," 5 Aug. 2020 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun A year of grief Even though Emily had all her affairs in order, Rob spent hundreds of hours completing paperwork over the next several months. — Star Tribune, "When cancer hijacked a new mother's happily ever after, she planned a death as unconventional as her life. A year later, her husband is the father he never expected to be, carrying on her legacy.," 11 Oct. 2020 Cypress Assistance Ministries, a nonprofit for low-income families in need of assistance is seeking donations and volunteers in order to continue providing to the local community. — Chevall Pryce, Houston Chronicle, "Cy-Fair COVID Resource Guide: Nonprofits offer domestic violence aid, blood drives, school supplies," 9 Oct. 2020 The Rise was not a QAnon site, but instead one Evans created in order to mobilize citizen militias as needed in Arizona and other states. — Richard Ruelas, The Arizona Republic, "Arizona-based QAnon interpreter, militia mobilizer, other pages taken off of Facebook during crackdown," 9 Oct. 2020 The photos will be organized in alphabetical order according to pet name. — cleveland, "Enter your dog, cat in Best Pet Halloween Costume photo contest by emailing picture until Oct. 18," 9 Oct. 2020 Stephanie Toro, 30, stayed in several hotels during the pandemic in order to visit her ailing 101-year-old grandfather in Florida in late April. — David Oliver, USA TODAY, "'No way this room was sanitized': Despite assurances, hotels get mixed reviews on COVID-19 cleanliness, masks," 9 Oct. 2020 But other Republicans are wary of the liberal provisions that Mr. Mnuchin may agree to in order to win Ms. Pelosi’s support. — Alan Rappeport, New York Times, "Trump Raises Stimulus Offer to $1.8 Trillion Days After Halting Negotiations," 9 Oct. 2020 Congrats are in order for both Kelly Rowland and Meghan Trainor, who announced their respective pregnancies on the same day! — Gab Ginsberg, Billboard, "The 13 Best Things That Happened in Music This Week (October 9)," 9 Oct. 2020 In order to prove a conspiracy to kidnap, the government must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that at least two people conspired to kidnap someone, and that at least one of them committed an overt act to achieve the conspiracy’s goal. — NBC News, "Whitmer kidnap plot suspects allegedly took steps in their plan. Is it enough for an 'attempt' charge?," 9 Oct. 2020

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

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Last Updated

14 Oct 2020

Cite this Entry

“Order.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/order. Accessed 23 Oct. 2020.

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More Definitions for order

order

verb

English Language Learners Definition of order

(Entry 1 of 2)

: to use your authority to tell someone to do something : to give an order to someone

: to say that (something) must be done

: to request (something) from a company

order

noun

English Language Learners Definition of order (Entry 2 of 2)

: 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

See the full definition for order in the English Language Learners Dictionary

order

verb

or·der | \ ˈȯr-dər

ordered; ordering

Kids Definition of order

(Entry 1 of 2)

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

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

order

noun

Kids Definition of order (Entry 2 of 2)

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

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

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

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

5 : good working condition The telephone is out of order.

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

7 : goods or items bought or sold an order of pancakes

8 : 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.

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

10 : 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.

11 : a written direction to pay a sum of money

in order that

: so that

in order to

: for the purpose of

order

transitive verb

or·der | \ ˈȯrd-ər

ordered; ordering\ ˈȯrd-(ə-)riŋ

Medical Definition of order

(Entry 1 of 2)

: to give a prescription for : prescribe the doctor ordered bed rest

order

noun

Medical Definition of order (Entry 2 of 2)

: a category of taxonomic classification ranking above the family and below the class

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order

noun

or·der

Legal Definition of order

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a state of peace, freedom from unruly behavior, and respect for law and proper authority maintain law and order

2 : an established mode or state of procedure a call to order

3a : a mandate from a superior authority — see also executive order

b : a ruling or command made by a competent administrative authority specifically : one resulting from administrative adjudication and subject to judicial review and enforcement an administrative order may not be inconsistent with the Constitution — Wells v. State, 654 So. 2d 145 (1995)

c : an authoritative command issued by the court violated a court order and was jailed for contempt

— cease-and-desist order \ ˌsēs-ənd-di-ˈzist-, -ˈsist- \

: an order from a court or quasi-judicial tribunal to stop engaging in a particular activity or practice (as an unfair labor practice) — compare injunction, mandamus, stay

— consent order

: an agreement of litigating parties that by consent takes the form of a court order

— final order

: an order of a court or quasi-judicial tribunal which leaves nothing further to be determined or accomplished in that forum except execution of the judgment and from which an appeal will lie

— gag order

: an order barring public disclosure or discussion (as by the involved parties or the press) of information relating to a case

— order to show cause

: an order requiring the prospective object of a legal action to show cause why that action should not take place

— called also show cause order

— pretrial order

: a court order setting out the rulings, stipulations, and other actions taken at a pretrial conference

— protection order

: restraining order in this entry

— protective order

: an order issued for the protection of a particular party: as

a : an order that limits, denies, or defers discovery by a party in order to prevent undue embarrassment, expense, oppression, or disclosure of trade secrets

b : restraining order in this entry

— qualified domestic relations order

: an order, decree, or judgment that satisfies the criteria set out in section 414 of the Internal Revenue Code for the payment of all or part of individual pension, profit sharing, or retirement benefits usually to a divorcing spouse (as for alimony or child support)

Note: The alienation or assignment of funds under a qualified domestic relations order does not affect the tax status of the plan from which such funds are paid.

— restraining order \ ri-ˈstrā-niŋ- \

1 : temporary restraining order in this entry

2 : an order of a specified duration issued after a hearing attended by all parties that is intended to protect one individual from violence, abuse, harassment, or stalking by another especially by prohibiting or restricting access or proximity to the protected party excluded from the home by a restraining order issued because of domestic violence

— called also protection order, protective order

— compare temporary restraining order in this entry

— show cause order

: order to show cause in this entry

— temporary restraining order

1 : an order of brief duration that is issued ex parte to protect the plaintiff's rights from immediate and irreparable injury by preserving a situation or preventing an act until a hearing for a preliminary injunction can be held

2 : a protective order issued ex parte for a brief period prior to a hearing on a restraining order attended by both parties and intended to provide immediate protection from violence or threatened violence

— turnover order \ ˈtər-ˌnō-vər- \

: an order commanding one party to turn over property to another especially : an order commanding a judgment debtor to turn over assets to a judgment creditor turnover order in aid of execution — California Code of Civil Procedure

d : a command issued by a military superior

4a : a direction regarding the party to whom a negotiable instrument shall be paid pay to the order of John Doe — see also money order, negotiable instrument

b : an instruction or authorization especially to buy or sell goods or securities or to perform work a purchase order a work order

— alternative order

: an order to a broker in which alternative methods of carrying out the order (as by buying or selling) are set forth

— open order

1 : an order to buy securities or commodity futures that remains effective until filled or canceled

2 : an order for merchandise expressed in very general terms so that the seller has considerable latitude in selecting the articles actually provided

— stop order

: an order to a broker to buy or sell a security when the price advances or declines to a designated level

c : goods or items bought or sold the order was received in good condition

to order

: according to the specifications of an order especially of a bearer or endorsee payable to bearer or to order

order