English is full of small grammar choices that can confuse even seasoned writers. One such debate is whether to write “reorder” or “re-order.” While both spellings exist, one is considered correct in modern American English.
This article explores the hyphenation rules, history, style guide recommendations, and real-life usage of these words so you can write with confidence.
The Meaning of “Reorder” vs. “Re-order”
Both “reorder” and “re-order” mean to arrange, place, or order something again. Whether you’re talking about restocking supplies, organizing books on a shelf, or reordering priorities in life, the meaning doesn’t change.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example Sentence |
| Reorder | Verb/Noun | To order again; to arrange in a new sequence | “The store will reorder stock when it runs low.” |
| Re-order | Verb/Noun | Older hyphenated form of “reorder” | “She decided to re-order her essay paragraphs.” |
Today, the hyphenated version is rare and seen as outdated in American writing.
A Quick Look at Hyphen Rules in American English
Hyphens are often misunderstood. In English, they’re used to:
- Connect words (e.g., well-known, up-to-date)
- Avoid ambiguity (e.g., re-sign vs. resign)
- Join prefixes when needed for clarity
Style guides like AP Style and the Chicago Manual of Style say that hyphens should be avoided unless they improve clarity. That’s why “reorder” has evolved into a single word.
Why Hyphens Were Common in Older Spellings
In the past, many prefixes like re-, pre-, and co- were almost always written with a hyphen:
- Re-enter
- Pre-existing
- Co-operate
But over time, as English simplified, many hyphens disappeared:
- Reenter
- Preexisting
- Cooperate
This evolution explains why “re-order” was once common but is now largely replaced by “reorder.”
The Shift From “Re-order” to “Reorder” in Modern Usage
If you search Google Ngram Viewer, you’ll see that “reorder” far outpaces “re-order” in modern writing. American English prefers closed compounds (words written together without a hyphen) whenever possible.
Understanding Prefixes Like “Re-” in Word Formation
The prefix re- means:
- Again (redo, rebuild)
- Back (return, reclaim)
It’s often attached without a hyphen unless:
- The root word starts with e (re-enter, re-emerge)
- The meaning would be confusing (re-sign vs. resign)
| Prefix Rule | Example 1 | Example 2 |
| Add hyphen to avoid confusion | re-sign (“sign again”) | resign (“quit”) |
| Add hyphen before “e” | re-enter | re-engage |
| No hyphen needed | reorder | rebuild |
Grammar Basics: When to Hyphenate a Word
You should use a hyphen only when it:
- Prevents ambiguity
- Matches style guide requirements
- Appears in compound adjectives before a noun (e.g., well-known author)
Otherwise, write the word without a hyphen.
How Dictionaries Treat “Reorder” and Other “Re-” Words
Leading dictionaries like Merriam-Webster and Oxford list “reorder” as the primary spelling. “Re-order” is marked as archaic or less common.
This shows a clear trend toward simplification in American English.
Examples of Similar Words: Re-sign vs. Resign
Hyphens can change meaning completely:
| Word | Meaning | Example |
| Re-sign | To sign again | “She decided to re-sign the contract.” |
| Resign | To quit or step down | “He chose to resign from his position.” |
| Re-cover | To cover something again | “We’ll re-cover the chairs.” |
| Recover | To regain health or possession | “She’s starting to recover from illness.” |
“Reorder” doesn’t fall into this category because its meaning is always clear.
Comparing British and American Hyphenation Styles
British English retains some hyphens longer than American English. For example:
- British: co-operate, re-order
- American: cooperate, reorder
American style trends toward simplification and unhyphenated words.
AP Style vs. Chicago Manual of Style: Key Differences
| Style Guide | Rule on Hyphens | Example |
| AP Stylebook | Avoid unnecessary hyphens | reorder |
| Chicago Manual of Style | Hyphenate only when needed for clarity | re-sign, re-enter |
Both guides agree: “Reorder” should be written as one word.
Common Situations Where “Reorder” Appears in Writing
- Business: “We need to reorder office supplies.”
- E-commerce: “The system will automatically reorder items.”
- Libraries: “Staff reordered the books on the shelf.”
- Personal life: “It’s time to reorder priorities.”
Real-Life Examples: Business, Shopping, and Inventory
| Situation | Sentence Example |
| Low stock alert | “When stock runs low, the system reorders automatically.” |
| Online shopping | “Customers can reorder favorite products with one click.” |
| Publishing | “The publisher reordered copies for the bookstore.” |
| Home organization | “She reordered the pantry to make it neat.” |
The Role of Hyphens in Clarity and Readability
Hyphens guide readers through complex words. Without them, certain phrases might cause confusion. But for “reorder,” clarity isn’t at risk, so the hyphen is unnecessary.
Why Some Hyphens Are Dropped in Modern English
Modern English simplifies spelling to:
- Speed up reading
- Reduce printing complexity
- Match digital writing trends
That’s why “email” replaced “e-mail,” and “reorder” replaced “re-order.”
Hyphenation Rules for Verbs, Nouns, and Adjectives
| Word Type | Hyphen Rule Example |
| Verb | reorder → no hyphen |
| Noun | reorder list → no hyphen |
| Adjective | well-known author → hyphenate |
Style Guides and Grammarhow Recommendations
Sites like Grammarhow and guides like the AP Stylebook emphasize:
- Use hyphens sparingly
- Follow dictionary listings
- Prioritize reader understanding
Common Mistakes Writers Make With Hyphenation
- Overusing hyphens where not needed
- Mixing British and American styles
- Ignoring dictionary spellings
- Forgetting hyphens in ambiguous words
How Google Ngram Viewer Shows “Reorder” Trends
A quick search shows “reorder” has been dominant since the mid-20th century, proving it’s now the standard spelling.
Hyphenation and Capitalization in Titles
In titles:
- Capitalize both parts if hyphenated (e.g., Re-Enter)
- Write “Reorder” as a single word
When Hyphenation is Necessary for Clarity
Always use a hyphen if:
- Two meanings are possible
- The base word starts with the same vowel
- Style guides recommend it
Variations, Exceptions, and Tricky Prefix Cases
| Prefix Combination | Hyphen? | Example Sentence |
| re + vowel | Yes | “She had to re-enter the building.” |
| re + consonant | No | “He will rebuild the house.” |
| ambiguous meaning | Yes | “She decided to re-sign the letter.” |
Practical Tips for Writers and Editors
- Always check a trusted dictionary first
- Follow one style guide consistently
- Use hyphens only when they add value
- Keep your audience’s understanding in mind
Hyphenation in Formal Documents and Emails
Professional writing prioritizes clarity and consistency:
- “Reorder” is best for business communication
- Avoid “re-order” unless quoting an older text
Final Thoughts: Precision, Style, and Clarity in Writing
Language evolves, and hyphens disappear as words become familiar. In American English, “reorder” is the preferred, modern spelling. Using this form keeps your writing clean, professional, and easy to read.
FAQs
Q1: Is “reorder” always correct in American English?
Yes. “Reorder” is the preferred spelling. “Re-order” is outdated.
Q2: When should I use a hyphen with “re-” words?
Use it when clarity is at risk (e.g., re-sign vs. resign).
Q3: Does British English still use “re-order”?
Yes, but even British English increasingly favors “reorder.”
Q4: Are there exceptions to the no-hyphen rule?
Yes. Add a hyphen if the word would look awkward or confusing.
Q5: What’s the simplest rule for writers?
Trust dictionaries and style guides—write “reorder” as one word.
