organize
AW-guh-nyz
Also spelled organise (UK spelling)
Organize (verb) means to arrange something so it is in order or works efficiently. Example: “I like to organize my books by colour on the shelves.”
verb
1
To arrange something so it is in order or works efficiently.
"I like to organize my books by colour on the shelves."
"She spent the weekend organizing her closet."
"We need to organize the files before the audit begins."
2
To plan and coordinate an event or activity.
"Could you organize a taxi to the airport for our visitors?"
"My sister is organizing a surprise party for our parents."
"The students organized a charity bake sale for the local shelter."
3
To form workers into a union, or persuade them to join one, for collective bargaining.
"Nurses at the hospital are trying to organize so they can bargain together."
"The union hopes to organize the drivers at the bus depot."
"The warehouse workers voted to organize after months of stalled negotiations."
How to use organize
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo put things in order, arrange an event, or bring workers together into a union.
UK vs US
American English spelling; British English typically uses "organise."
Easily confused with
Common pairings
organize a meeting
organize workers
get organized
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like organize.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Third person singular
- organizes
- Past tense
- organized
- Archaic forms
- organizest, organizedst, organizeth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
I like to _____ my books by colour on the shelves.
Etymology
From Old French organiser, from Medieval Latin organizāre, ultimately from Greek órganon.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for organize
See all rhymes for organize →Frequently asked questions
What does “organize” mean?
The word “organize” means to arrange something so it is in order or works efficiently. In plain terms, to put things in order, arrange an event, or bring workers together into a union.
How do you pronounce “organize”?
“Organize” is pronounced AW-guh-nyz (/ˈɔɹɡənaɪz/ in IPA).
How do you use “organize” in a sentence?
Here is “organize” used in a sentence: “We need to organize the files before the audit begins.”
What is another word for “organize”?
Words with a similar meaning to “organize” include adapt, adjust, apportion, arrange, assort and bunch.
What is the opposite of “organize”?
The opposite of “organize” — its antonyms — are confuse, disarrange, disorganize, disperse and embroil.
What part of speech is “organize”?
“Organize” is a verb.
Where does the word “organize” come from?
The word “organize” comes from Medieval Latin. From Old French organiser, from Medieval Latin organizāre, ultimately from Greek órganon.
Is “organize” a common word?
“Organize” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
Is it spelled "organize" or "organise"?
Both are correct. Organize is the standard spelling in American English, while organise is widespread in British English; some British publishers use the -ize form as well. Whichever you choose, keep the spelling consistent throughout a document.
What is the difference between organize and arrange?
To arrange is to put things in a particular order, position, or sequence, while to organize is broader: to set something up so that it is in order and works efficiently, or to plan and coordinate an event. You arrange chairs in rows, but you organize a conference.
What is the difference between organize and sort?
To sort is to separate items into groups or put them in a sequence according to a rule, such as sorting mail by address. To organize goes further, meaning to create an arrangement or system that makes something orderly and efficient, which may involve sorting as one step.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include organize:
