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.
In 2020, a ketogenic or keto diet promoting high-fat and low-carbohydrate consumption in order to burn fat was the most Googled diet in the United States.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 22, 2026
You could argue that an informant has to participate to some degree in order to stay inside these groups.
From Slate ● Aug. 22, 2026
Some gave up their spokesperson positions in order to vote against.
From BBC ● Aug. 20, 2026
“He knows that in order to have excellent public services, you need to have excellent relationships with business,” the pub owner said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 19, 2026
“You didn’t have to know her in order to know her,” Aunt Tess insists.
From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse
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.
