Reorder (one word) is the correct, modern standard spelling. Re-order (with a hyphen) was historically used but is now considered outdated in most writing contexts.
Both mean the same thing — but reorder is the form recognized by major dictionaries and preferred in professional writing today.
This guide explains the difference between reorder and re-order, which spelling to use, and when a hyphen is actually necessary with re- prefixes.
What Does Reorder Mean?
Reorder functions as both a verb and a noun. It carries two closely related meanings depending on context.
As a verb — to arrange again: Reorder means to rearrange items into a different sequence or order.
Example: “She decided to reorder the chapters to improve the flow of the book.”
As a verb — to place a new order: Reorder also means to place a fresh order for a product or supply that has run out or is running low.
Example: “We need to reorder office supplies before the end of the week.”
As a noun: A reorder refers to the act of placing a new order or the order itself.
Example: “The reorder arrived two days earlier than expected.”
Common uses:
- Rearranging items, lists, or sequences
- Placing new orders for products or inventory
- Reorganizing content, chapters, or priorities
- Supply chain and inventory management
Related Word Forms: Reorder
Synonyms: rearrange, reorganize, restructure, repurchase, replenish
Reorder vs Re-order — What Is the Difference?
Same Meaning — Different Spelling Conventions
Reorder and re-order carry the exact same meaning. The difference is purely about spelling convention and which era of writing you are following.
Re-order (hyphenated) was the standard form in older British and American writing. As English evolved, the hyphen became unnecessary — and modern style guides now favor the cleaner, single-word form.
Merriam-Webster lists reorder as the primary entry — no hyphen. The same preference appears in AP Style and most modern writing guidelines.
The Hyphen Rule With “Re-” Prefixes
Understanding when to use a hyphen with re- clears up this confusion permanently.
When to Drop the Hyphen
Modern English generally drops the hyphen when re- is attached to common words — especially when no confusion about pronunciation or meaning results.
Standard Modern Spellings — No Hyphen
When to Keep the Hyphen
The hyphen is kept in two specific situations:
1. When the word following re- starts with the letter e: Dropping the hyphen would create an awkward double-e that could confuse readers.
- Re-examine (not reexamine)
- Re-evaluate (or reevaluate — both accepted)
- Re-enter (not reenter)
- Re-elect (not reelect)
2. When the unhyphenated form creates a different word: Some re- words without a hyphen become entirely different words with different meanings.
Reorder does not fall into either of these categories — so the hyphen is unnecessary and reorder is always correct.
Hyphenated vs No Hyphen — Different Meanings
When to Use Reorder
In Inventory and Business Contexts
Reorder is extremely common in supply chain, retail, and inventory management:
- “Set a reorder point at 100 units to avoid stockouts.”
- “The system automatically reorders supplies when levels drop below the threshold.”
- “Our team reordered the equipment three weeks before the event.”
In Organizational and Editorial Contexts
Reorder applies any time items, content, or sequences are rearranged:
- “You can reorder the slides by dragging and dropping them.”
- “The editor asked her to reorder the paragraphs for better logical flow.”
- “Reorder your priorities based on what is most urgent.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Memory trick:
- Reorder follows the same pattern as rebuild, reopen, rethink — all standard modern single-word forms
- Ask yourself: “Does removing the hyphen create a double-e or a different word?” If no → drop the hyphen and write reorder
FAQs — Reorder or Re-order
Does re-order have a hyphen?
No — in modern standard English, reorder is written as one word without a hyphen. The hyphenated form re-order is outdated and rarely used in current professional or formal writing.
What is a re-order?
A reorder (modern spelling) refers to either placing a new order for a product or rearranging items into a different sequence. Both the verb and noun forms are written as one word — reorder.
How do you write reorder?
The correct modern spelling is reorder — one word, no hyphen, no space. This applies to all its forms: reordered, reordering, and the noun reorder.
When to use a hyphen with re?
Use a hyphen with re- when the following word starts with e (like re-examine, re-enter) or when removing the hyphen creates a completely different word (like re-sign vs resign). In all other cases — including reorder — drop the hyphen.
Conclusion
The correct modern spelling is reorder — one clean word, no hyphen needed. Re-order was acceptable in older writing but has been replaced by the simpler, streamlined form that modern style guides consistently prefer.
The rule is straightforward — drop the hyphen with re- prefixes unless the next word starts with e or removing it changes the meaning entirely. Reorder fits neither exception — making the single-word form always the right choice in any writing context today.
Hi, I’m the voice behind GrammarThat.com. I make grammar simple and easy to understand, from basic rules to advanced writing tips. Clear explanations. Practical examples. No confusion.