1 B1 neutral
To formally request or command that something be delivered, prepared, or put in place.
"The general ordered up three additional battalions to reinforce the eastern flank."
separable
order up
B1 neutral separable transitive
To formally request or command that something be provided, prepared, or sent.
In plain English
To ask for or command something to be brought or made ready.
What does "order up" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 informal
(Food service) To announce that a dish or order is ready to be served.
""Order up!" the cook shouted, sliding two plates of eggs onto the counter."
3 B2 idiomatic informal
To arrange or summon something desirable as if by command.
"She seemed to order up perfect weather for every outdoor event she organised."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To place an order that goes up the chain of command.
Actually means
To ask for or command something to be brought or made ready.
Usage tip
Used in military, professional, and food service contexts. In restaurants or diners, a server or cook might 'order up' a dish. In a military context, it means to officially request troops or resources.
Words that pair with "order up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
troops reinforcements supplies meal coffee strike report
How to conjugate "order up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
order up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
orders up
he/she/it
Past simple
ordered up
yesterday
Past participle
ordered up
have + pp
-ing form
ordering up
continuous
Hear "order up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "order up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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