organize
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /ˈɔːɡənˌaɪz/
US
- /ˈɔrɡəˌnaɪz/
Meanings
Verb
to put things into a neat, useful, or systematic order
to plan and coordinate an activity, event, or set of tasks
to form people into a formal group, especially a union or campaign
Beyond the definition
To organize something is like being the architect of your stuff—whether it's your closet, your thoughts, or even a whole event! It means arranging things into a logical structure so they're easier to find, use, or understand. A librarian organizes books by subject, and you might organize your day with a to-do list. Sometimes organizing isn't about things at all; you can also organize a protest, an investigation, or even just your ideas before writing an essay. Think of it as bringing order out of chaos!
To organize means to arrange things systematically, often with a specific purpose in mind. It's more than just tidying up; it's about creating structure and efficiency. For example: "She organized her files alphabetically," or "The team organized a fundraising event."
Organize can apply to physical objects, like decluttering your room or arranging furniture. But it also extends to abstract concepts. You might organize your thoughts before writing an essay, organize a political campaign, or even organize a complex research project. It implies planning, prioritizing, and establishing clear systems.
While "organize" is a verb (the action of putting things in order), it is the root of the noun "organization," which refers to an orderly group or the state of being arranged. For example: "He's the president of the local environmental organization," or "She has an amazing ability to organize her time."
Sometimes, "organize" carries a specific connotation of bringing people together for a common purpose. A union organizes workers to advocate for better conditions, and a detective might organize evidence to solve a crime.
So, whether you're arranging your desk, planning a party, or building a movement—organizing is about creating order and structure to achieve a goal. It's the art of making things work smoothly and efficiently.
Examples
- 1
Desk cleanup
I need to organize my desk before I start working.
- 2
File sorting
Can you help me organize the files by date?
- Patternorganize X by + category
arrange X using that category
- 3
Sorting into groups
We organized the books into three piles: keep, donate, and sell.
- Patternorganize X into groups
divide X into groups in an orderly way
- 4
Event planning
Maya is organizing a birthday dinner for her sister.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
School meeting
The school organized a meeting with parents after the storm.
- 6
Speaking preparation
Before the interview, he took a minute to organize his thoughts.
- Phraseorganize your thoughts
think clearly about what you want to say
- 7
Semester preparation
I’m trying to get organized before the semester starts.
- Phraseget organized
prepare and put things in order
- 8
Labor organizing
Workers at the cafe organized a union last year.
- Phraseorganize a union
form a workers' group to ask for better pay or conditions
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- organize files
- organize information
- organize a meeting
- organize by category
Word family
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Forms and spellings
8 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- organizeAmericanverb
Forms
- organizedAmericanpast tenseverb
- organizingAmerican-ing formverb
- organizesAmericanverb
Regional spellings
- organisedBritishpast tenseverb
- organiseBritishverb
- organisingBritish-ing formverb
- organisesBritishverb