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.
Adeyemi said the council was set up in 2024 in order to attract foreign investment to Nigeria but there is no record of any deals being done.
From BBC • Jul. 8, 2026
There’s an outpouring of emotion from them and from us, so in order to do more shows, you’d have to somehow limit the amount you gave to each performance.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 8, 2026
Any human population needs exchanges with the outside world in order to reproduce itself over time.
From Science Daily • Jul. 7, 2026
He wants employers to be more accommodating to caregivers because he knows employees need flexibility, like the ability to work from home, in order to advance in their careers.
From MarketWatch • Jul. 7, 2026
Riding sidesaddle did not seem to be an option, so she tucked up her long skirt around both legs in order to perch on the seat.
From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood
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.
