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 order to make sense of the stakes involved in Republicans’ and Democrats’ redistricting push, I spoke with Pamela Karlan, law professor at Stanford University and co-director of Stanford’s Supreme Court Litigation Clinic.
From Slate • May 7, 2026
In order to use those names, the marathon operator pays royalties to the city.
From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026
"In order to actually break that, you have to provide an enriching, communal, social life," said Morin.
From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026
In order to AI-proof your career, apply to jobs where critical thinking and innovation are more important than technical skills.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026
In order to provide raking and flanking fire along every wall, forts needed to be designed on the page, with carefully measured angles and distances.
From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton
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.
