Preorder
/ˌpriːˈɔːrdər/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo place an order for something before it becomes available for general sale.
/ˌpriːˈɔːrdər/
To order or reserve something before it is officially available.
I preordered the new iPhone as soon as it was announced.
💡 Simply: Imagine a cool new toy is coming out, but you REALLY want it. Preordering is like putting your name on the list to make sure you get it as soon as it's available, before anyone else can buy it. It's like getting the golden ticket!
👶 For kids: To say you want something and pay for it before it's ready to be sold.
More Examples
Many fans preordered tickets to the concert months in advance.
The company encourages customers to preorder the product to ensure they receive it on the launch day.
How It's Used
"Customers often preorder video games to guarantee they receive them on the release date."
"You can preorder the author's new book from Amazon."
An order that is placed before the official release date of a product or service.
/ˌpriːˈɔːrdər/
An order placed for something before it is released or generally available.
The high number of preorders for the new console indicated strong demand.
💡 Simply: It's like when you sign up to get the first slice of pizza at the pizza party! A preorder is when you sign up to get something cool and brand new, before everyone else.
👶 For kids: A special way to order something before it's in the store.
More Examples
The company announced that preorders would begin next week.
Customers who placed preorders received a special bonus.
How It's Used
"The game received a high number of preorders, showing great customer interest."
"The artist's album had a record number of preorders."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
From "pre-" (before) + "order" (to request). The prefix "pre-" indicates something that happens or is done before another action or event. The word emerged with the rise of mail-order catalogs and became more prevalent with the advent of online shopping.
The term became more prevalent in the late 20th century with the rise of direct marketing and mail order, and its popularity surged with the growth of e-commerce and online shopping.
Memory tip
Think "pre" (before) + "order". You're ordering something before anyone else can easily get it.
Word Origin
"To place an order beforehand."