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.
“That catharsis is another feeling and I knew so much of my audience had an experience with this music, but maybe had to compartmentalize and be on the outside in order to enjoy it.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 18, 2026
"The family are very interested to know what evidence was provided or what evidence wasn't provided by the prison service in order for the court to deem it not substantial," he said.
From BBC ● Sep. 17, 2026
Remember, the information you provide doesn’t have to be deep in order for it to nurture trust.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 17, 2026
Under Utah law, a plaintiff must notify government defendants of a claim of loss, in order for a lawsuit to be considered.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 16, 2026
I organized them in order of importance, if there even was such a thing, because which one wasn’t important?
From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam
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.
