change order

noun

plural change orders
: a written alteration to a previously signed contract for work (as in construction)
The Alpharetta City Council has approved a $2.9 million change order for the Rucker Road Corridor improvement project, reflecting Roswell's share of the project cost.—The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
also : the new work specified by the change order
Change orders on the first two phases of Red Line construction have exceeded $230 million. —Mike Davis

Examples of change order in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There wasn’t a single change order. — Sara B. Hansen, Denver Post, 4 Apr. 2026 One change order alone was for nearly $3 million, according to the civil suit. — Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026 Those are the types of issues that commonly trigger change orders with other contractors. — Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026 Just like with the payment schedule, Cosby says that the process for change orders should be spelled out in writing prior to a project starting. — Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 7 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for change order

Word History

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of change order was in 1906

Rhymes for change order

See All Rhymes for change order

Browse Nearby Words

change one's ways
change order
changeover
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Change order.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/change%20order. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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