verb

pre-order

PREE-or-dur

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Pre-order (verb) means to order and often pay for a product before it has been released, so that it is sent or made available as soon as it comes out. Example: “I pre-ordered the album months before the release date.”

verb

To order and often pay for a product before it has been released, so that it is sent or made available as soon as it comes out.

"I pre-ordered the album months before the release date."

"You can pre-order the console now for delivery in November."

noun

An order placed for a product that is not yet on sale, or the copy or unit reserved by such an order.

"Pre-orders opened at midnight and sold out by breakfast."

"Your pre-order will ship on launch day."

How to use pre-order

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishBuying something before it comes out so you get it on release day.

When to use it

Neutral commercial English; usually hyphenated in British writing and often written preorder in American writing.

Memory tip

Most retailers charge a pre-order only when the item ships, but check — some take payment immediately.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

backorder pre-sale pre-book

Common pairings

pre-order now pre-order bonus cancel a pre-order pre-order sales open for pre-order

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

I _____ the album months before the release date.

Etymology

From the prefix pre-, from Latin prae meaning 'before', plus order, from Old French ordre and Latin ordo.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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reserve book order in advance advance order reservation

Related words

book leave word hold record standard stock fund

Rhymes for pre-order

order border disorder recorder camcorder tricorder

See all rhymes for pre-order →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a pre-order and a backorder?

A pre-order is placed before an item has been released at all, so nobody has it yet. A backorder is placed for an item that is already on sale but temporarily out of stock. Both mean waiting, but only a backorder implies the seller has run out.

When are you charged for a pre-order?

It varies by retailer. Large stores such as Amazon usually take payment when the item ships, while smaller shops, ticketed items and limited editions often charge at the point of ordering to secure the stock. The confirmation email should say which applies.

Can you cancel a pre-order?

Usually yes, right up until it ships, since nothing has been dispatched and often nothing has been charged. Exceptions are limited-run or personalised items, where the seller may state that pre-orders are final once placed.

What is the meaning of pre-order?

"pre-order" (verb) means to order and often pay for a product before it has been released, so that it is sent or made available as soon as it comes out.

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