coordinate

American  

[koh-awr-dn-it, -dn-eyt, koh-awr-dn-eyt] / koʊˈɔr dn ɪt, -dnˌeɪt, koʊˈɔr dnˌeɪt /

Or co-ordinate

adjective

1. of the same order or degree; equal in rank or importance.

2. involving the proper relationship or harmonious interaction among functions or parts.

3. Mathematics. using or pertaining to systems of coordinates.

4. Grammar. of the same rank in grammatical construction, as Jack and Jill in the phrase Jack and Jill, or got up and shook hands in the sentence He got up and shook hands.

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noun

1. a person or thing of equal rank or importance; an equal.

2. Mathematics. any of the magnitudes that serve to define the position of a point, line, or the like, by reference to a fixed figure, system of lines, etc.

3. coordinates, articles of clothing, furniture, or the like, harmonizing in color, material, or style, designed to be worn or used together.

verb (used with object)

coordinated, coordinating

1. to place or class in the same order, rank, division, etc.

2. to place or arrange in proper order or position.

   Synonyms:

   correlate, order

3. to combine in harmonious relation or action.

verb (used without object)

coordinated, coordinating

1. to become coordinate.

2. to assume proper order or relation.

3. to act in harmonious combination.

coordinate British  

verb

1. (tr) to organize or integrate (diverse elements) in a harmonious operation

2. to place (things) in the same class or order, or (of things) to be placed in the same class or order

3. (intr) to work together, esp harmoniously

4. (intr) to take or be in the form of a harmonious order

5. chem to form or cause to form a coordinate bond

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noun

1. maths any of a set of numbers that defines the location of a point in space See Cartesian coordinates polar coordinates

2. a person or thing equal in rank, type, etc

adjective

1. of, concerned with, or involving coordination

2. of the same rank, type, etc

3. of or involving the use of coordinates

   coordinate geometry

coordinate Scientific  

/ kō-ôr′dn-ĭt /

1. One of a set of numbers that determines the position of a point. Only one coordinate is needed if the point is on a line, two if the point is in a plane, and three if it is in space.

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Other Word Forms

• co-ordinately adverb
• co-ordinateness noun
• co-ordinative adjective
• coordinately adverb
• coordinateness noun
• coordinative adjective
• coordinator noun
• intercoordinate adjective
• miscoordinate verb
• noncoordinating adjective
• uncoordinate adjective
• uncoordinated adjective
• uncoordinately adverb
• uncoordinateness noun

Etymology

Origin of coordinate

First recorded in 1635–45; co- + (sub)ordinate

Explanation

The word coordinate is all about getting things in order. Are your ducks in a row? Well, then you know what it means to coordinate something. And if you know exactly where to drop the bomb, then you know what the coordinates are. Coordinate is one of those words that can mean very different things but is rarely misunderstood in context. It’s a great way to describe the work of organizing, planning, and strategizing. When synchronizing the needs of two distinct groups, for instance, it is necessary to coordinate priorities and schedules. And as you speed down the highway, listening to the serene voice on your GPS announce the coordinates of your destination, chances are you don’t think she’s organizing resources.

Example Sentences

Britain announced a meeting next week with dozens of countries to coordinate efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

Senior European officials counter that they were never consulted on the war in advance to begin with, making it difficult to coordinate military response in the first days of the war.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

The suggestion from Iran that it will now jointly coordinate control of the Strait with Oman is extraordinary.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

Bimco, the world’s largest international shipping association, is advising members to coordinate with U.S. and Iranian authorities before attempting to use the strait.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

“Then we’ll use the Elderclock to coordinate our movements.”

From "Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo

Related Words

• agree
• harmonize
• integrate
• organize
• regulate