orderly
Americanadjective
-
arranged or disposed in a neat, tidy manner or in a regular sequence.
an orderly desk.
- Antonyms:
- haphazard, disorderly, chaotic
-
observant of or governed by system or method, as persons or the mind.
-
characterized by or observant of law, rule, or discipline; well-behaved; law-abiding.
an orderly assemblage of citizens.
-
pertaining to or charged with the communication or execution of orders.
adverb
-
methodically; regularly.
-
according to established order or rule.
noun
plural
orderlies-
Military. an enlisted soldier assigned to perform various chores for a commanding officer or group of officers.
-
a hospital attendant having general, nonmedical duties.
adjective
-
in order, properly arranged, or tidy
-
obeying or appreciating method, system, and arrangement
-
harmonious or peaceful
-
military of or relating to orders
an orderly book
adverb
noun
-
med a male hospital attendant
-
military a junior rank detailed to carry orders or perform minor tasks for a more senior officer
Related Words
Orderly, methodical, systematic characterize that which is neat, in order, and planned. These three words are sometimes used interchangeably. However, orderly emphasizes neatness of arrangement: an orderly array of books. Methodical suggests a logical plan, a definite order of actions or method from beginning to end: a methodical examination. Systematic suggests thoroughness, an extensive and detailed plan, together with regularity of action: a systematic review.
Other Word Forms
- orderliness noun
- unorderly adjective
Etymology
Origin of orderly
First recorded in 1470–80 as adverb; 1570–80 as adjective; 1795–1805 as noun; order + -ly
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.
An orderly photon stream is easier to manage and scale, and it also improves security.
From Science Daily
In the somatosensory cortex, the entire body is laid out in an orderly way.
From Science Daily
The U.S. dollar weakened against most EM currencies in 2025 as U.S. growth cooled, but the adjustment remained orderly.
From Barron's
Unlike ordinary magnets that settle into an orderly pattern, these materials avoid conventional magnetic order.
From Science Daily
On an atomic level, the data showed carbon atoms moving freely through iron's orderly structure, weakening it without causing the lattice to collapse.
From Science Daily
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.
