preorder

American  

[pree-awr-der] / ˈpriˌɔr dər /

Or pre-order

verb (used with or without object)

1. to order for purchase in advance, as before an event, restaurant meal, or release of a product.

   She called the restaurant before lunch to preorder.

   Preorder your signed print now, as only 2,500 copies are being made.

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noun

1. an act or instance of ordering something in advance.

   The new handbook is now available for preorder.

   The game’s future looked bright, with thousands of preorders already piled up.

2. something that has been ordered in advance.

   If you haven’t yet received your preorder, please email us.

Etymology

Origin of preorder

First recorded in 1640–50; pre- ( def. ) + order ( def. )

Example Sentences

Preorder “Breaking Into New Hollywood” and read Tseng and Healey’s original Times reporting that led to the book.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 8, 2025

There you have it: Preorder your 2023 Wizards Eastern Conference finals hat, T-shirt and commemorative section of The Washington Post.

From Washington Post • Jul. 1, 2022

Preorder by Wednesday, Nov. 18, and pick up on Wednesday, Nov. 25, from 2-4 p.m.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 11, 2020

Preorder your copy now from Amazon or Unnamed Press, and stay tuned for updates about live events across the U.S.

From Slate • Jul. 30, 2019

Preorder any of its brisket, ribs, pulled pork, turkey, or sausage to beat the long lines at this lunch-only spot.

From Time • Aug. 17, 2017

Related Words

• set up