open order

American  

noun

Military.

1. a troop formation for drill or basic combat training, the intervals between the individuals being greater than those in close order.

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open order British  

noun

1. military a formation that allows additional space between the ranks of a guard or inspected unit to allow the inspecting officer to pass

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Etymology

Origin of open order

First recorded in 1615–25

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

open order

He said he has an open order with the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 26, 2025

The four leaders also reaffirmed support for free and open order rooted in international law.

From BBC ● Sep. 25, 2021

Leonard gave an open order: keep going; if you reach the river try to establish a crossing and hold it.

From Time Magazine Archive

With hounds questing ahead, in open order, the sons of Autolykos went down a glen, Odysseus in the lead, behind the dogs, pointing his long-shadowing spear.

From "The Odyssey" by Homer

This company always received praise for its soldierly bearing, for to see this body of young men marching in open order down Main Street was a sight well worth seeing.

From Life Gleanings by Macon, T. J.