arrange

American  

[uh-reynj] / əˈreɪndʒ /

verb (used with object)

arranged, arranging

1. to place in proper, desired, or convenient order; adjust properly.

   to arrange books on a shelf.

   Synonyms:

   classify, dispose, sort, group, array

2. to come to an agreement or understanding regarding.

   The two sides arranged the sale of the property.

3. to prepare or plan.

   to arrange the details of a meeting.

4. Music. to adapt (a composition) for a particular style of performance by voices or instruments.

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verb (used without object)

arranged, arranging

1. to make plans or preparations.

   They arranged for a conference on Wednesday.

2. to make a settlement; come to an agreement.

   to arrange with the coal company for regular deliveries.

arrange British  

/ əˈreɪndʒ /

verb

1. (tr) to put into a proper, systematic, or decorative order

2. (tr; may take a clause as object or an infinitive) to arrive at an agreement or understanding about; settle

3. to make plans or preparations in advance (for something)

   we arranged for her to be met

4. (tr) to adapt (a musical composition) for performance in a different way, esp on different instruments

5. (tr) to adapt (a play, etc) for broadcasting

6. to come to an agreement

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Other Word Forms

• arrangeable adjective
• arranger noun
• overarrange verb
• rearrange verb
• rearrangeable adjective
• unarranged adjective
• well-arranged adjective

Etymology

Origin of arrange

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English arayngen, from Middle French arangier; equivalent to a- ⁵ + range

Explanation

Think it might be fun to be a party planner? These highly organized people arrange everything from invitations to music, food, even the lighting in the room, meaning they put everything in order. At a concert, you look in your program to see what piece is next. There's a title, followed by the composer's name. Under that is another name, preceded by "arranged by." What does that mean? Every piece was originally written with a certain instrument or instruments in mind. In order for that music to be played by other instruments, it first has to be adapted, meaning someone has to arrange it. A symphony for kazoos? You can arrange that.

Example Sentences

On the AI front, Uber said users will soon be able to ask the app to plan a week of meals, generate a shopping list, and arrange delivery -- all in one go.

From Barron's • Apr. 29, 2026

“Why not arrange a ride with China’s national mountain biking team?”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

But the city could do a better job of educating residents on how to arrange for pickups, and a better job of cracking down when they don’t.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2026

Prosecutors contacted the family to arrange a meeting a few hours after the BBC approached them for a response.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

After his reelection, he attempted to arrange a peace conference, but the opposing sides could not agree on a basis for discussion, and the conference never took place.

From "The War to End All Wars: World War I" by Russell Freedman

Related Words

• construct
• decide
• design
• determine
• draft
• establish
• lay out
• manage
• negotiate
• organize
• prepare
• promote
• provide
• resolve
• schedule
• tailor
• work out