Meaning

• In a sequence.

  "Place the cards in order by color, then by number."

• Ready, prepared; orderly; tidy.

  "His material is in order for the presentation."

• In accordance with the procedural rules governing formal meetings of a deliberative body.

• Appropriate, worthwhile.

  "Now that we have finally finished, I think a celebration is in order."

Meaning

• (with to) Emphasizes that what follows immediately is the purpose of the preceding or the beyond.

  "She stood in order to see over the crowd. / She stood to see over the crowd."

• (with "for") Emphasizes that what follows immediately is the purpose of the preceding or the beyond.

  "She stood in order for her husband to see her. / She stood for her husband to see her."

• In sequence.

  "They sang in order, ending with a basso profundo."