Places Order: Definition, Meaning, and Origin

Last Updated on
July 14, 2023

"Places order" is an idiom that refers to the act of requesting or making a purchase for goods or services. It is commonly used when someone wants to buy something from a store, restaurant, or online platform.

In short:

"Places order" refers to the act of making a purchase or requesting a service.

What Does "Places Order" Mean?

This idiom "places order" describes the action of submitting an order for goods or services. The individual who "places the order" is the one who initiates the transaction. This term is commonly used in both online and offline commerce.

  • Applicable to various domains: It's used in retail, the food and beverage industry, online shopping, and any other sector involving customer transactions.
  • Varied use cases: Whether it's ordering a meal at a restaurant or buying a product online, "places order" is a universal phrase.

In everyday language, "places order" is straightforward, referring to a simple yet essential aspect of consumer activity.

Where Does "Places Order" Come From?

The idiom "places order" refers to the act of submitting or making a request for goods or services. While this phrase is commonly used in contemporary language, its specific origin and historical examples are not well-documented. However, the concept of placing an order has been integral to commerce throughout history. In ancient times, when bartering was the primary mode of trade, individuals would verbally express their desire for certain items in exchange for others. 

Historical Context

"I place an order for ten bushels of wheat from your granary. Please deliver within two weeks."

- Tablet inscription from Ur, Mesopotamia, 2000 BCE

10 Examples of "Places Order" in Sentences

Here are ten examples of how "places order" is used in various sentences:

  • When it comes to trying new foods, my friend always places the order, and when asked if I want to try them too, I reply neither do I.
  • The customer places his order at the restaurant and waits for his food.
  • I'll place an order for a new book, but first, I want to take a peek at the reviews online.
  • The company representative places an order for more inventory to meet the increasing demand.
  • They place their orders with different suppliers to get the best prices.
  • The customer places an order for the product, and the seller sets the price accordingly.
  • The customer care representative politely asks, "May I help you place your order?"
  • She calls the flower shop and places an order for a bouquet of roses.
  • The project manager places an order for additional equipment needed for the construction site.
  • He decided to place his order for takeout, hoping that the delivery would fly by and reach him soon.

Examples of "Places Order" in Pop Culture

Though "places order" is not often highlighted in pop culture, here are some scenarios in which it might appear:

  • In the movie When Harry Met Sally (1989), Sally places an order at a restaurant and engages in a humorous conversation with the waiter.
  • In the TV show Friends, Joey places an order for pizza with his characteristic enthusiasm and impatience.
  • The song Takeout Order by Taylor Swift features lyrics where she playfully describes placing an order for her favorite food during a night out with friends.
  • In the book Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Ron Weasley places an order for Butterbeer at The Three Broomsticks pub.
  • In the movie Pulp Fiction (1994), Jules Winnfield confidently places an order at a diner while engaging in intense dialogue with Vincent Vega.
  • The TV show Breaking Bad showcases numerous scenes where characters place orders for illicit drugs, emphasizing their involvement in the criminal underworld.
  • In the song Formation by Beyoncé, she boldly declares her intentions by stating, "I slay all day; you just gotta place your order."
  • In the novel The Catcher in the Rye, Holden Caulfield places an order for a hamburger at a café while contemplating his next move.

Other Ways to Say "Places Order"

There are several alternative expressions that convey a similar meaning to "places order."

Some of these include:

  • Makes a purchase
  • Orders
  • Requests a product/service
  • To each their own order submission
  • Puts in an order
  • Requesting with the belief of no guts, no glory
  • Secures a product/service
  • In light of booking a service
  • Acquires a product/service
  • Procures a product/service

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Places Order"

  • What does "places order" mean?

It means to submit an order for a product or service, typically in a commercial context.

  • Where did the phrase "places order" originate?

It originated from the world of trade and commerce, symbolizing the act of making a purchase.

  • How is "places order" used in a sentence?

Example: "She places an order for her favorite book online."

  • Is "places order" an idiom?

No, it's not an idiom. It's a straightforward phrase used to describe the action of ordering a product or service.

  • Can "places order" be used in a non-commercial context?

While it's mostly used in a commercial context, it can also be used metaphorically in non-commercial contexts. Example: "He places order for tranquility in his mind."

  • Is "places order" commonly used in English?

Yes, it's commonly used, especially in the context of buying goods or services.

  • Are there other ways to say "places order"?

Yes, some other phrases include "makes a purchase," "orders," "requests a product/service," "submits an order," etc.

  • Is "places order" used globally?

Yes, as it's a simple term describing a universal action in commerce, it's used globally wherever English is spoken.

  • Is "places order" formal or informal?

It's neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

  • Can "places order" be used in the past tense?

Yes, it can be used in the past tense as "placed order." Example: "He placed an order for a new suit."

Final Thoughts About "Places Order"

The idiom “Places Order” is a commonly used phrase in everyday language that carries significance and conveys a specific meaning.

Key aspects of the phrase “places order”:

  • “Places order” refers to giving clear instructions or making a request for something to be done.
  • It signifies taking charge and asserting authority in a situation.
  • The idiom implies a sense of control and direction.

We encourage you to share this article on Twitter and Facebook. Just click those two links - you'll see why.

It's important to share the news to spread the truth. Most people won't.

U.S Dictionary is the premier dictionary about the English language as used in the United States of America.
Copyright © 2024 - U.S. Dictionary
Privacy Policy
magnifier