When you want to say that something should be arranged again, you may wonder whether the correct spelling is reorder or re-order. Both forms can be found in English, but reorder is generally the preferred modern spelling, especially in American English. The word means to arrange something again or to order something again, depending on the context.
The confusion comes from the prefix re-, which can be joined directly to a word or, in some cases, written with a hyphen for clarity. In most everyday writing, reorder is the natural choice. However, re-order is not necessarily impossible or incorrect; it may appear when writers want to make the meaning especially clear or avoid confusion.
Quick Answer
Reorder is usually the preferred spelling. It means “to arrange again” or “to order again.” Re-order is also used, particularly when the writer wants to emphasize the prefix or prevent confusion. For most modern writing, choose reorder as the standard form.
Why Do People Confuse “Reorder” and “Re-Order”?
The confusion comes from the prefix re-, which commonly means again.
For example:
- rewrite = write again
- reread = read again
- rebuild = build again
- reorder = order again
Because re- can sometimes be written with a hyphen, people may wonder whether re-order is required.
In most cases, it is not.
Modern English generally combines re- with the base word when the resulting word is clear and easy to understand.
What Does “Reorder” Mean?
Reorder is a verb with two closely related meanings.
1. To arrange something again
It means to change the existing arrangement and put things into a different order.
Please reorder the items alphabetically.
Here, the items are already arranged, but you are being asked to arrange them again.
2. To order something again
It can also mean to purchase or request something another time.
We need to reorder more printer paper.
Here, the company has ordered printer paper before and needs another supply.
The context tells you which meaning is intended.
What Does “Re-Order” Mean?
Re-order has essentially the same meaning as reorder.
The hyphen separates re- from order, making the structure of the word more visually obvious.
For example:
The manager asked us to re-order the files.
However, in ordinary modern writing, reorder is usually the cleaner and more conventional choice.
The hyphen can occasionally be useful when clarity is a concern.
Reorder vs Re-Order: Comparison Table
| Feature | Reorder | Re-Order |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Arrange or order again | Arrange or order again |
| Spelling | Closed form | Hyphenated form |
| Common modern usage | Very common | Less common |
| Prefix | re- + order | re- + order |
| Best general choice | Yes | Usually unnecessary |
| Example | Please reorder the list. | Please re-order the list. |
When Should You Use “Reorder”?
Use reorder when you mean to arrange something again or order something again.
Use it for arranging again
Please reorder these names alphabetically.
I need to reorder the paragraphs.
Use it for purchasing again
We need to reorder office supplies.
The store will reorder the popular products.
Use it in instructions
Reorder the steps before submitting the assignment.
In most general writing, reorder is the safest choice.
When Should You Use “Re-Order”?
Use re-order only when the hyphen helps with clarity, emphasis, or a particular editorial style.
For example:
The editor decided to re-order the sections.
This spelling is understandable, but many editors would simply write:
The editor decided to reorder the sections.
If you are writing an essay, website article, email, report, or other general text, reorder will normally look more natural.
Reorder or Re-Order: 10+ Examples
Examples of “Reorder”
- Please reorder the list by date.
- We need to reorder the products before Friday.
- The teacher asked students to reorder the sentences.
- I had to reorder the chapters after making several changes.
- The restaurant needs to reorder its most popular ingredients.
- You can reorder the items by price.
- Please reorder these steps so they make sense.
- The company plans to reorder its inventory.
- She decided to reorder the photographs chronologically.
- Customers can reorder their previous purchases online.
- The software lets users reorder the columns.
- We should reorder the paragraphs for better flow.
Examples of “Re-Order”
- Please re-order the items alphabetically.
- The editor chose to re-order several sections.
- We may need to re-order the products next month.
These examples are understandable, but reorder is generally more streamlined.
Common Mistakes With Reorder
Mistake 1: Assuming the hyphen is always required
Incorrect assumption:
You must write re-order because “re” is a prefix.
Not necessarily.
Reorder is a standard closed spelling.
Mistake 2: Using “reorder” when you mean “replace”
Reorder does not normally mean replace.
Compare:
We need to reorder the supplies.
This means order them again.
We need to replace the supplies.
This means substitute them with different supplies.
Mistake 3: Confusing the two meanings
Consider:
I reordered the books.
This could mean that you arranged the books differently or ordered the books again.
The surrounding context determines the meaning.
Mistake 4: Adding an unnecessary hyphen
In general writing:
Please reorder the files.
is usually preferable to:
Please re-order the files.
Memory Trick
Think of reorder as:
re- + order = order again
Just as:
- rewrite = write again
- reread = read again
- rebuild = build again
- reorder = order again
Remember: When “re-” clearly means “again,” it is often joined directly to the word.
American vs British English
Both American and British English use reorder.
The hyphenated form re-order can also appear, but it is less necessary in ordinary modern writing.
There is no major difference in meaning between the two forms based simply on American versus British English.
For consistent everyday writing, reorder is a practical choice in both varieties.
Similar Words
If you are learning words with the re- prefix, these examples can help:
- rearrange — arrange again
- rewrite — write again
- reread — read again
- rebuild — build again
- reorganize — organize again
- reconsider — consider again
- recheck — check again
- reopen — open again
- reconnect — connect again
- recreate — create again
These words show how re- commonly indicates repetition or doing something again.
Final Verdict
Reorder is generally the preferred spelling in modern English. It can mean to arrange something again or to order something again.
Re-order is also understandable and may be used when a writer wants to make the word structure especially clear, but the hyphen is usually unnecessary.
So, if you are unsure which form to use, write:
Please reorder the items.
rather than:
Please re-order the items.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “reorder” one word or two words?
Reorder is one word. It is normally written as a single word without a space or hyphen.
Is “re-order” grammatically correct?
Yes, re-order can be found in English, but the closed form reorder is generally preferred in modern general writing.
What does reorder mean?
Reorder means to arrange something again or to order something again, depending on the context.
Should I write “reorder” or “re-order” in an essay?
Use reorder in most essays and other formal or general writing. It is the simpler and more common modern form.
Is reorder the same as rearrange?
Not always. Rearrange specifically means to arrange something differently, while reorder can mean either arranging something again or ordering something again.
Can reorder mean “buy again”?
Yes. In a shopping or business context, reorder can mean to order or purchase something again.
We need to reorder more paper.
Does British English use “reorder”?
Yes. Reorder is used in British English as well as American English.
Is “reorder” a verb?
Yes. Reorder is primarily used as a verb.
I need to reorder the documents.
Remember This
Reorder = the usual modern spelling.
Re-order = a possible hyphenated form, but generally less necessary.
When re- means again, the word is often written as one word:
reorder → order again
Conclusion
If you are deciding between reorder and re-order, reorder is usually the best choice for everyday modern English. It works naturally when you mean to arrange something again or request/order something again. The context will tell readers which meaning you intend.
Although re-order can also be encountered, the hyphen is generally unnecessary when the meaning is clear. For students, ESL learners, and general writers, remembering reorder = order or arrange again is the easiest way to use the word confidently.
John Tyler is a dream researcher and content writer at SleepCout, sharing insightful articles about coded dreams, dream meanings, symbolism, sleep psychology, and practical guidance to help readers understand their dreams.
