organize

verb

or·​ga·​nize ˈȯr-gə-ˌnīz 

organized; organizing

transitive verb

1

: to form into a coherent unity or functioning whole : integrate

trying to organize her thoughts

2

a

: to set up an administrative structure for

organize a company to manufacture his invention

b

: to persuade to associate in an organization

especially : unionize

organize the white-collar workers

3

: to arrange by systematic planning and united effort

organize a tour of the campus for the new students

4

: to cause to develop an organic structure

intransitive verb

1

: to undergo physical or organic organization

a clot organized in the femoral vein

2

: to arrange elements into a whole of interdependent parts

began organizing for a victory celebration

3

: to form an organization

specifically : to form or persuade workers to join a union

workers had the right to organize

organizable

ˌȯr-gə-ˈnī-zə-bəl 

adjective

Synonyms

• arrange
• array
• classify
• codify
• dispose
• draw up
• lay out
• marshal
• marshall
• order
• range
• systematize

Choose the Right Synonym for organize

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 organize in a Sentence

They hired a professional to help organize their wedding.

We are organizing a fund-raiser.

His office is a mess. He needs someone to help him organize his work.

I spent some time organizing my closet last weekend.

You need to learn to organize better.

She organized people to work for social justice.

The players were organized into separate teams.

He encouraged them to organize for social justice.

The company has tried to prevent the workers from organizing.

Recent Examples on the Web

The board oversees union elections and enforces the law guaranteeing the right of most private sector employees to organize. —Journal Sentinel, 12 Apr. 2024

By the 1940s and '50s, San Antonio held numerous Black rodeos and local riders participated in the Southwestern Colored Rodeo Association, which organized a circuit of Black rodeos in central Texas, while other Texas communities incorporated Black rodeos into Juneteenth celebrations. —TIME, 12 Apr. 2024

Seven baristas who were attempting to organize a union at a Starbucks shop in Memphis, Tennessee, were fired in February 2022. —Michael Z. Green, The Conversation, 11 Apr. 2024

Three years later, in May 1908, Anna Jarvis organized the first official Mother's Day celebration at a church in West Virginia, the History Channel reports. —Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 11 Apr. 2024

The groups don't have one party preference; organized in 2022, the PAC has endorsed across party lines, from Republican Sue Finkam for Carmel mayor to Democrat Stephanie Terry for Evansville mayor. —Kayla Dwyer, The Indianapolis Star, 11 Apr. 2024

Storms left city roads scattered with trees and power lines and rising water levels prompted first responders to organize water rescues, Slidell police spokesperson Daniel Seuzeneau said. —Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN, 11 Apr. 2024

Designated pen holders, several pockets, and a laptop sleeve keep the inside of this bag impeccably organized. —L.a. Hubilla, Peoplemag, 10 Apr. 2024

Scores of officials across the federal workforce participate in private chat groups for organizing fundraising and public demonstrations and venting about U.S. policy. —Hannah Allam and John Hudson The Washington Post, arkansasonline.com, 31 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 4

Kids Definition

organize

verb

or·​ga·​nize ˈȯr-gə-ˌnīz 

organized; organizing

1

: to make separate parts into one united whole : form or form into an organization

2

: to put into order : systematize

organize your work

organizer noun

Medical Definition

organize

verb

or·​ga·​nize

variants also British organise

ˈȯr-gə-ˌnīz 

organized also British organised; organizing also British organising

transitive verb

1

a

: to cause to develop an organic structure

b

: to cause to undergo organization

an organized blood clot

2

: to arrange or form into a coherent unit or functioning whole

intransitive verb

: to undergo organization

an organizing pneumonitis

Legal Definition

organize

verb

or·​ga·​nize

organized; organizing

transitive verb

1

a

: to set up an administrative structure for

b

: to persuade to associate in an organization (as a union)

2

: to arrange by systematic planning and united effort

organize a strike

intransitive verb

: to form an organization

especially : to form or persuade workers to join a union