arrange

verb

ar·​range ə-ˈrānj 

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

3

a

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

b

: 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

ə-ˈrān-jər 

noun

Synonyms

• agree (on)
• decide
• fix
• set
• settle

Choose the Right Synonym for 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

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 on the Web

Bera has contacted local postal representatives and arranged town hall meetings to discuss what proactive measures can be taken to educate the public and address the ongoing issue. —Angela Rodriguez, Sacramento Bee, 15 Apr. 2024

The original concerts, featuring Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor and John Deacon, took place over two consecutive nights in November 1981, and were arranged specifically to be filmed for a full-length concert film to document their live show. —Carolyn Giardina, Variety, 14 Apr. 2024

Archaeologists said all of the medieval skeletons were arranged in a standardized way. —Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 12 Apr. 2024

The new software triggers a dashboard warning light and allows customers to drive to a safe location, stop the vehicle and arrange for service, the company said. —Tom Krisher, Quartz, 12 Apr. 2024

The last group of migrants was picked up by dusk, and Mr. Fink crouched in his tent, munching on a piece of pita bread and arranging donation drop-offs via his cellphone. —Emily Baumgaertner, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2024

Aurora arranges its passengers in a circle facing outwards around a central, also circular restroom. —Ben Oliver, Robb Report, 11 Apr. 2024

Many resort guests rent a car from the airport to explore the island, while some prefer to book an airport transfer (the hotel can arrange that for you) and stay on the property for the duration of their vacation. —Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 10 Apr. 2024

Volunteers arranged for a grooming the same day and had the dog treated by a veterinarian within three days, in partnership with the Downriver Grooming Co. and Pound Pals Downriver. —Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 4 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English arengen "to draw up in ranks," borrowed from Anglo-French arenger (continental Old French arengier) "to draw up in ranks, put in proper order," from a-, prefix forming transitive verbs (going back to Latin ad- ad-) + rengier, ranger "to set in ranks," derivative of renc, ranc "line of soldiers, jousting lists, line or rank of persons or things" — more at rank entry 1

Note: Though appearing once as Middle English arengen, and in early Scots, the verb arrange is very rare in English literature before the late eighteenth century and is in effect a reborrowing of modern French arranger (the regular outcome of Old French arengier), to which it owes its current meanings.

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing arrange

• pre-arrange

Kids Definition

arrange

verb

ar·​range ə-ˈrānj 

arranged; arranging

1

: to put in order

especially : to put in a particular order

arrange books on shelves

2

: to make plans for

arrange a program

3

: to come to an agreement about : settle

arrange a time for the meeting

4

: to make a musical arrangement of

arranger noun