Reorder or Re-order? Mastering the Hyphen Rule

As a writer and editor, I’ve seen how one small dash can change a sentence’s meaning. One misplaced mark and the reader is left confused. The debate over Reorder vs. Re-order is a common headache in American English. What seems like a small style choice can, in the right context, be the source of serious confusion. That tiny difference? It’s all in the hyphens. They bring clarity. Whether you’re a student, marketer, or just want to write a clean post, knowing which form to use builds confidence and consistency. “Reorder or Re-order” is more than just a quirky grammar topic – it’s key to precise writing.

That’s where hyphenation rules step in. And this isn’t just a war of spelling – it’s about following a smart guide. A reliable style guide gives clear, actionable answers that ensure your message isn’t lost in translation. Through years of navigating writing conventions, I’ve learned that these smart but small choices aren’t trivial – they’re the backbone of professional writing.

Why ‘Reorder’ vs. ‘Re-order’ Still Causes Confusion

You’ve likely come across both “reorder” and “re-order.” So which one is correct? And why does it matter?

In most American English usage, “reorder” without the hyphen is correct. However, people still hyphenate it – often because:

• They think the hyphen adds clarity
• They’re following outdated rules
• They’re copying what they see on ecommerce buttons, labels, or software

But using a hyphen when it’s not needed can interrupt the reader’s flow or even change the meaning.

Real-World Example

“Please reorder your last meal” (correct) “Please re-order your last meal” (technically okay, but unnecessary in American English)

This tiny difference can change how users perceive clarity, especially in UI/UX writing, marketing copy, or academic contexts.

The Core Rule: Reorder or Re-order?

In American English, the correct form is almost always “reorder” without a hyphen.

Why? Because there’s no ambiguity when you join “re-” (meaning “again”) with the base word “order.” The resulting word is easy to understand.

✅ Use “Reorder” When:

• There’s no confusion about meaning
• The base word doesn’t start with a capital letter
• You’re following modern American usage

⚠️ Use “Re-order” Only When:

• You’re trying to emphasize the “again” meaning in a rare stylistic case
• You’re writing for a publication that uses British English
• You’re following a legacy system that requires hyphenation

Bottom line: Unless your editor tells you otherwise, stick with reorder – no hyphen needed.

Understanding the ‘Re-’ Prefix: When a Hyphen Is Essential

The prefix “re-” generally means “again” or “back.” But when you attach it to a root word, it can sometimes create ambiguity.

Here’s the Rule:

• If the resulting word is confusing or changes meaning, use a hyphen.
• If not, write it as a closed compound (no hyphen).

Table: Examples of Hyphenated vs. Non-Hyphenated “Re-” Words

Word Without Hyphen	Hyphenated Version	Meaning of Hyphenated	Hyphen Needed?
recover	re-cover	cover again	✅ Yes
resign	re-sign	sign again	✅ Yes
recreate	re-create	create again	✅ Yes
reorder	re-order	order again	❌ No (unless ambiguity)
rewrite	re-write	write again	❌ No

Quick Tip: If removing the hyphen makes the word look like a different real word (e.g., recover), use a hyphen.

How Major Style Guides Handle “Reorder” and Hyphenation

AP Style (Associated Press)

The AP Stylebook generally advises against hyphenation with prefixes like “re-” unless it’s necessary for clarity. This means:

• Use reorder (no hyphen)
• Use re-sign (to avoid confusion with “resign”)

📌 “Use a hyphen if the prefix ends in a vowel and the word that follows begins with the same vowel and the meaning would be unclear.”  –  AP Stylebook

Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS)

The Chicago Manual of Style agrees with AP on most points but leans more toward consistency in eliminating unnecessary hyphens.

• Use reorder
• Use re-sign when clarity demands it

📘 “Hyphenate only when confusion would result.”  –  Chicago Manual of Style

APA & MLA Notes

• APA follows CMOS: fewer hyphens
• MLA prioritizes clarity over tradition but also recommends minimal hyphen use unless confusion arises

When Hyphenation in ‘Reorder’ Matters in UX and Marketing

Words like “reorder” are common in:

• Ecommerce buttons: “Reorder Now”
• Email subject lines: “Time to reorder your supplements”
• Mobile apps: Grocery or prescription refill flows

Case Study: Amazon’s UI

• “Reorder” is used consistently in buttons
• Hyphenation is avoided for clean visual flow
• A/B testing showed users clicked more on “Reorder” than “Re-order” (Source: Baymard Institute UX study)

“Shorter, more familiar compound words reduce visual clutter and improve button comprehension.”  –  UX Research, Nielsen Norman Group

Words That Look Like ‘Reorder’ but Break the Rule

Many words follow a similar pattern – but their meanings drastically change with or without a hyphen.

Confusing Pairs: Re- Words That Change Meaning

Without Hyphen	With Hyphen	Meaning Difference
resign	re-sign	quit vs. sign again
recover	re-cover	heal vs. cover again
recreation	re-creation	leisure vs. creation again
reform	re-form	improve vs. form again
reset	re-set	restart vs. set again

These aren’t just spelling differences – they affect the entire tone and context of your writing.

Reorder in American vs. British English

While American English has largely dropped hyphens, British English sometimes retains them – especially in formal writing.

British English Preferences:

• “Re-order” may be acceptable in formal publications
• Older style guides (like Oxford Style Manual) allow more hyphenation

American English Trends:

• Streamlined: “reorder” is preferred
• Aligned with Merriam-Webster Dictionary and modern journalism standards

Merriam-Webster entry: “Reorder  –  to order again” (no hyphen)

Oxford Learner’s Dictionary also lists “reorder” as the primary spelling but accepts “re-order” as a variant

Capitalization and Hyphenation in Titles

Capitalizing hyphenated compounds in titles can be tricky – especially when combining style with SEO.

AP Style:

• Capitalize all major words
• Use a hyphen only if absolutely necessary

Example:

“How to Reorder Medication Safely”

Chicago Manual of Style:

• Lowercase short prepositions
• Hyphenate only when meaning requires it

Example:

“The Reordering of Language Norms in Digital Spaces”

Pro Tip:

Don’t capitalize the second part of a hyphenated compound unless it’s a proper noun or the first word.

Quick Reference: ‘Re-’ Prefix Hyphenation Rules

Rule	Example	Hyphen?
Creates a real but different word	resign vs. re-sign	✅ Yes
Doesn’t change meaning	reorder	❌ No
Clarity issue possible	recreate vs. re-create	✅ Yes
Prefix ends in vowel + base starts in same vowel	re-elect	✅ Yes
No confusion, modern usage	reopen	❌ No

Expert Quotes on Hyphenation Clarity

“The goal of punctuation is clarity. When a hyphen does more harm than good, leave it out.”  –  Patricia T. O’Conner, former NYT editor

“Hyphens should never slow the reader down. If they do, they’re in the wrong place.”  –  Bryan A. Garner, author of Garner’s Modern English Usage

Best Practices for Writers and Editors

• Always check meaning when dropping or adding hyphens
• Follow your house style guide for consistency
• When in doubt, look it up in Merriam-Webster or AP Stylebook
• Avoid hyphenation in headlines and UI unless essential

Writer’s Checklist

• Does the word make sense without a hyphen?
• Will removing the hyphen cause ambiguity?
• Am I following AP, Chicago, or another consistent style guide?
• Is the hyphenation helping or hindering clarity?

Final Thoughts:

In American English, the choice between “reorder” and “re-order” comes down to clarity, context, and consistency. Most of the time, “reorder” without a hyphen is correct and preferred, especially when there’s no risk of confusion. The “re-” prefix typically means “again,” and when added to “order,” it forms a straightforward, easily understood verb.

Hyphenation should only be used when omitting the hyphen causes ambiguity, as with pairs like resign vs. re-sign or recover vs. re-cover. “Reorder” doesn’t fall into this category – it’s clear, concise, and widely accepted without a hyphen in both AP and Chicago styles.

Following the guidance of respected style manuals and dictionaries ensures that your writing remains professional, modern, and reader-friendly. In digital content, where clarity and user experience matter most – such as buttons, headlines, or emails – avoiding unnecessary.

FAQs

Is “reorder” the preferred spelling in American English?

Yes, “reorder” without a hyphen is the standard and preferred spelling in American English, unless a specific style guide or context calls for the hyphenated form.

Can I use “re-order” in professional writing?

You can, but it’s usually unnecessary. Use “reorder” unless omitting the hyphen creates confusion or you’re following a style guide that requires it.

Why do some websites use “re-order”?

Some websites or legacy systems retain “re-order” due to outdated conventions, branding choices, or to maintain UI consistency – though “reorder” is more modern.

Does the hyphen change the meaning of “reorder”?

Not in this case. Unlike “resign” vs. “re-sign,” the meaning of “reorder” stays the same, so a hyphen doesn’t clarify anything – it’s just extra.

What if I’m writing for a British audience?

British English may accept “re-order,” especially in formal or traditional contexts. However, “reorder” is still widely used and increasingly preferred across English dialects.