preorder

Or pre-or·der

[pree-awr-der]

verb (used with or without object)

1. to order for purchase in advance, as before an event, restaurant meal, or release of a product.

   She called the restaurant before lunch to preorder.

   Preorder your signed print now, as only 2,500 copies are being made.

noun

1. an act or instance of ordering something in advance.

   The new handbook is now available for preorder.

   The game’s future looked bright, with thousands of preorders already piled up.

2. something that has been ordered in advance.

   If you haven’t yet received your preorder, please email us.

Word History and Origins

Origin of preorder¹

First recorded in 1640–50; pre- ( def. ) + order ( def. )

Example Sentences

Starting Tuesday, you can apply to its early adopter program and preorder one for $20,000, with delivery expected in 2026.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

In the meantime, fans could preorder the album in various formats, or click an “add all to cart” button to simplify the process for hoarders — sorry, collectors.

Read more on Salon

When the full, two-hour episode of “New Heights” dropped August 13, the album’s standard cover art was revealed, and three additional vinyl variants were made available for preorder.

Read more on Salon

There’s no release date, but it’s available for preorder on Swift’s website now.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Preorder “Breaking Into New Hollywood” and read Tseng and Healey’s original Times reporting that led to the book.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• set up