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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

Her biggest concern: whether Tilit will be able to recover tariffs paid on a special order from China last year.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 22, 2026

A source close to the government confirmed to BBC Afghan that the internet is back by special order of the Taliban prime minister.

From BBC ● Oct. 1, 2025

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

The special order requests documents and explanations by Aug. 25 to help with NHTSA's inquiry.

From Reuters ● Aug. 29, 2023

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

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

In spite of the grassroots campaign to revive Good Girls Revolt, right now the only way to watch it is on Amazon’s streaming platform or on a special-order manufactured-on-demand DVD.

From Slate ● Nov. 8, 2017

That was another super-mom moment because after she talked to the new owner, they agreed to special-order the dish—just for me!

From "Auggie & Me" by R. J. Palacio