This applies whether you’re talking about ordering inventory again, rearranging items, or purchasing a product for the second time.

Reorder or Re-order? (Quick Answer)

“Reorder” is always written as one word without a hyphen. This isn’t a matter of personal preference—it’s a firm grammatical rule.

The AP Stylebook and The Chicago Manual of Style both confirm this spelling. When you add the prefix “re-“ to a word that starts with “o” (like “order”), you never insert a hyphen.

Think of other similar words: we write “restart,” “rebuild,” and “reorganize“—all without hyphens. The same logic applies to “reorder.” Whether you’re discussing inventory management or customer repurchase behavior, stick with the unhyphenated version.

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Understanding the “Re-” Prefix Hyphen Rule

The “re-” prefix follows a simple but crucial rule. You only add a hyphen when the following word starts with the letter “e.” This prevents awkward double-e combinations and maintains readability.

Notice the pattern? When you write “re-entry” or “re-examine,” the hyphen prevents confusion. But “reorder” flows naturally without one.

There’s one more exception: words where the “u” makes an “uh” sound (like “re-use” in some contexts). However, most modern style guides now accept “reuse” without the hyphen.

The bottom line: Since “order” starts with “o,” “reorder” never needs a hyphen. This applies to all contexts—business documents, academic papers, casual emails, or formal reports.

Real-World Examples and Usage

Let’s see “reorder” in action across different contexts. These examples show correct usage in business settings, customer service, and everyday situations.

Business and Inventory:

• Our reorder point for printer paper is 50 boxes.
• The warehouse manager will reorder all depleted stock by Monday.
• Set up automatic reordering when inventory drops below 20%.

Customer Purchases:

• Click this link to reorder your favorite products instantly.
• Customers can reorder past purchases with one tap.
• She decided to reorder the same coffee blend she bought last month.

Organization and Arrangement:

• Please reorder these paragraphs to improve flow.
• The teacher asked us to reorder the steps chronologically.
• You might need to reorder your priorities this quarter.

Additional Examples:

• We reordered new uniforms after the size chart changed.
• The system will reorder items based on sales velocity.
• He reordered his morning routine to include exercise.

Notice how seamless “reorder” appears in every sentence. The single-word format maintains reading flow and looks professional. Adding a hyphen would disrupt that natural rhythm.

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Special Cases: When You Might Need a Hyphen with “Re-“

While “reorder” never takes a hyphen, some “re-” words absolutely require one. Understanding these exceptions prevents confusion with completely different words.

Re-sign vs. Resign:
“Re-sign” means to sign again (like a contract renewal).
“Resign” means to quit a position.
The hyphen completely changes the meaning.

Re-cover vs. Recover:
“Re-cover” means to cover something again (like reupholstering furniture).
“Recover” means to get better or retrieve something.

Re-create vs. Recreate:
“Re-create” means to create again from scratch.
“Recreate” means to engage in leisure activities.

These words need hyphens because without them, readers would interpret an entirely different meaning. But “reorder” doesn’t face this problem—there’s no alternative word “reorder” could be confused with.

FAQ’s

Is “reorder” one word or two?

“Reorder” is always one word, never two separate words or hyphenated. Writing “re order” or “re-order” is grammatically incorrect. The prefix “re-” must attach directly to “order.”

Do you hyphenate reorder in UK English?

No, modern British English also uses “reorder” without a hyphen. While older British texts occasionally showed “re-order,” contemporary UK style guides align with standard unhyphenated spelling across both regions.

What is the correct past tense of reorder?

The past tense is “reordered” (one word, no hyphen). For example: “We reordered supplies yesterday” or “She reordered her subscription last month.” All verb forms remain unhyphenated.

When should I use a hyphen with words starting with “re-“?

Use a hyphen only when the next word starts with “e” (like re-enter, re-elect) or when omitting it creates confusion with another word (like re-sign vs. resign). Otherwise, write the word solid without a hyphen.

Is it “re-order point” or “reorder point” in business?

The correct business term is “reorder point” (one word, no hyphen). This inventory management term refers to the stock level that triggers a new purchase order. Industry standards universally use the unhyphenated spelling.

Final Takeaway

If a word starting with “re-” doesn’t begin with “e,” drop the hyphen. “Order” starts with “o,” so “reorder” stands alone.

This rule applies across all writing contexts—emails, reports, academic papers, and business documents. Using the correct spelling demonstrates attention to detail and grammatical competence.

Next time you’re about to type “re-order,” pause and remember: the hyphen doesn’t belong there. Write “reorder” confidently, knowing you’re following established grammar rules.