reorder: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral; more common in business, administrative, and technical contexts.
Quick answer
What does “reorder” mean?
To change the arrangement or sequence of items.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To change the arrangement or sequence of items; to request a new supply of the same goods.
Can refer to the logical or physical rearrangement of components (e.g., in computing, logistics, arguments) or the act of placing a repeat purchase order. Implies an action taken to change an existing order.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and grammar are identical.
Connotations
Equally neutral in both varieties. In business contexts, it's a standard term without marked regional connotation.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to a larger volume of commercial and technical discourse, but the difference is marginal.
Grammar
How to Use “reorder” in a Sentence
[NP] reordered [NP][NP] reordered [NP] [as/into/by NP][NP] needs to reorderVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “reorder” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We must reorder the filing system by client surname.
- Can you reorder the printer cartridges before we run out?
American English
- Let's reorder the agenda to address the budget first.
- I had to reorder the parts because the shipment was delayed.
adjective
British English
- The reorder threshold is set too low.
- Check the reorder code on the dashboard.
American English
- The software includes an automatic reorder feature.
- What's our current reorder quantity for these bulbs?
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Common in inventory management and procurement: 'The system will automatically reorder stock when levels are low.'
Academic
Used when discussing the logical sequence of arguments or data: 'The author chose to reorder the chapters for better flow.'
Everyday
Used for practical rearrangement: 'Let's reorder the playlist for the party.'
Technical
In computing, refers to changing the sequence of operations or data: 'The query planner may reorder joins for efficiency.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “reorder”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reorder”
- Using 'order again' instead of the more concise 'reorder' in formal business writing.
- Misspelling as 're-order' (hyphenated form is becoming less standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Modern standard usage is as one word ('reorder'), though the hyphenated form ('re-order') is sometimes seen, especially in older texts or in British English. The trend is towards closed form.
'Rearrange' is more general and usually applies to physical objects or abstract ideas placed in a new arrangement. 'Reorder' often implies a specific sequence (like alphabetical, chronological, or numerical) and is the preferred term in commerce for repeating an order.
Yes, though less common. In business and computing, it can function as a noun (e.g., 'Place a reorder', 'trigger a reorder').
Primary stress is on the second syllable: 're-OR-der'. The first syllable has a secondary stress, especially clear in British English.
To change the arrangement or sequence of items.
Reorder is usually neutral; more common in business, administrative, and technical contexts. in register.
Reorder: in British English it is pronounced /ˌriːˈɔːdə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌriˈɔːrdər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'RE-ORDER' – literally to 'order again' (for supplies) or to 'put in a different order' (for sequence).
Conceptual Metaphor
SEQUENCE/ARRANGEMENT IS A PHYSICAL LIST; COMMERCE IS A REPETITIVE CYCLE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'reorder' LEAST likely to be used?