in order
Idioms-
In proper sequence or arrangement, as in The children lined up in order of size , or Are the letters all in order? [c. 1400]
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Suitable, correct, appropriate, as in A few words on this subject are in order now . [Mid-1800s]
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See in short order .
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in order that . So that, to the end or purpose that, as in In order that Bob can meet my husband, we've come early . [Early 1700s]
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in order to . For the purpose of, as a means to, as in We'll have to hire more help in order to finish on time . This usage always precedes a verb, such as finish in the example. [c. 1700]
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The Red Roses have played across the country in order to build a loyal fan base, which all came together in September as they defeated Canada to claim a first World Cup in 11 years.
From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026
“The analysis reveals how food and chemical companies have exploited a loophole in federal law in order to certify that their own new additives are ‘generally recognized as safe,’ or GRAS,” Benesh writes.
From Salon • Apr. 11, 2026
The vehicle must make it through in order for the crew to do the same.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026
"Dark matter could straightforwardly be two different particles, and the two different particles need to find each other in order to annihilate."
From Science Daily • Apr. 10, 2026
In 1978, in order to store and display the artifacts from the Shinan ship, the South Korean government opened the Gwangju National Museum.
From "Shipwrecked!" by Martin W. Sandler
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
