adv. or adj. phr. 1. In arrangement; in the proper way of following one another. Come to my desk in alphabetical order as I call your names. Line up and walk to the door in order. Name all the presidents in order.
Compare: IN TURN. 2. In proper condition. The car was in good working order when I bought it. The club leader looked at the club treasurer's records of money collected and spent, and found them all in order.
Compare: IN COMMISSION 2 , PUT ONE'S HOUSE IN ORDER. 3. Following the rules; proper; suitable. Is it in order to ask the speaker questions at the meeting? At the end of a program, applause for the performers is in order.
Compare: IN PLACE.
Antonym: OUT OF ORDER. 4. See: PUT ONE'S HOUSE IN ORDER or SET ONE'S HOUSE IN ORDER.