rearrangement

noun

re·​ar·​range·​ment ˌrē-ə-ˈrānj-mənt 

plural rearrangements

1

: the act of rearranging something or someone or the state of being rearranged

rearrangement of the furniture

changes that will require some rearrangement of the schedule

… lifting her hands for some rearrangement of her hat.

—Henry James

2

chemistry : a shifting of the atoms or groups in the molecule of a compound to form an isomeric compound

Examples of rearrangement in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Althoff’s exhibitions always seem in sympathy with such distinct rearrangements of actuality, time, and temper. —Michael Bracewell, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2025

Another innovation emerged in the 1970s, with genetic engineering, which made possible the manipulation and rearrangement of fragments of DNA from one or several organisms to produce new organisms with altered or new functions. —Ronald K. Noble, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2013

According to Newsweek, airlines often reassign seats based on operational needs, sometimes resulting in surprise upgrades or seating rearrangements. —Darlin Tillery, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025

Quitting loomed large in my mind but so did a wholesale rearrangement of my social life and my primary means of entertainment. —Meghan Howes, The Denver Post, 21 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1778, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for rearrangement

• arrangement
• derangement
• estrangement