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• special order
  special order

  noun

  any one of a set of instructions from a headquarters affecting the activity or status of an individual or group of individuals.
• special-order
  special-order

  verb (used with object)

  to obtain by specific individual order.

special order

¹ American  

noun

Military.

1. any one of a set of instructions from a headquarters affecting the activity or status of an individual or group of individuals.

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special-order ² American  

[spesh-uhl-awr-der] / ˈspɛʃ əlˈɔr dər /

verb (used with object)

1. to obtain by specific individual order.

   to special-order a dining-room chandelier.

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verb (used without object)

1. to order goods by a special order.

Etymology

Origin of special-order

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

special order special-order

The guidance comes as RH reported lower revenue for its latest quarter, dented by higher back-order and special order balances as a result of tariff-related resourcing.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 11, 2026

"It'll get introduced on Tuesday, be in a committee on Wednesday and then on the special order calendar on Thursday," he said.

From BBC ● Feb. 27, 2024

In the summer last year, Lucio Olmos Morales, the artisan who weaves vanilla on his porch, received a special order.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 5, 2024

"I gave a special order to a nearby bakery and had them made for these youngsters," said Kanthi, 53.

From Reuters ● Apr. 13, 2022

Bobby was eager to read it but had to place a special order through the Four Continents.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

He said he was most worried about potential delivery days for special-order bridal gowns for November and December weddings.

From BBC ● Oct. 1, 2024

Even better, the frozen line includes a “cocktail” manoushe, a half-za’atar and half-cheese flatbread that’s available only as a special-order item at the store.

From Washington Post ● Dec. 5, 2022

This special-order vehicle, as it is sometimes called, is usually arranged at the dealership, but for some brands, an online order is the only way to purchase one.

From Seattle Times ● Mar. 2, 2022

The fancy disposable fountain pens I had to special-order from art stores were there, as were newly released books, magazine subscriptions, and shampoo.

From The Guardian ● Dec. 12, 2018

Beebi's gym suit was even a different color from everybody else's, like they'd had to special-order it for her.

From "Eleanor & Park" by Rainbow Rowell