arrange
Americanverb (used with object)
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to place in proper, desired, or convenient order; adjust properly.
to arrange books on a shelf.
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to come to an agreement or understanding regarding.
The two sides arranged the sale of the property.
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to prepare or plan.
to arrange the details of a meeting.
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Music. to adapt (a composition) for a particular style of performance by voices or instruments.
verb (used without object)
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to make plans or preparations.
They arranged for a conference on Wednesday.
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to make a settlement; come to an agreement.
to arrange with the coal company for regular deliveries.
verb
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(tr) to put into a proper, systematic, or decorative order
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(tr; may take a clause as object or an infinitive) to arrive at an agreement or understanding about; settle
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to make plans or preparations in advance (for something)
we arranged for her to be met
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(tr) to adapt (a musical composition) for performance in a different way, esp on different instruments
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(tr) to adapt (a play, etc) for broadcasting
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to come to an agreement
Other Word Forms
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.
Vocabulary lists containing arrange
Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List
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List 1
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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.
If parents cannot arrange payments privately the CMS can take the money from wages, bank accounts, benefits or pensions.
From BBC • May 15, 2026
Researchers can arrange these layers into even more complicated structures, including quasicrystals and super-moiré materials.
From Science Daily • May 13, 2026
President Claudia Sheinbaum even tried in vain to arrange more concerts.
From Barron's • May 5, 2026
Less than a day after their comment, the airline’s spokesperson said in their statement that it is “in direct contact with the guest to arrange its personal return as quickly as possible.”
From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026
She followed his precise instructions to arrange their food in the proper place and pour the right amount of coffee into their cups.
From "The Marvellers" by Dhonielle Clayton
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.
