on the order of


on the order of

1. Approximately (some amount); close to (some amount). We're going to have to spend on the order of $20,000 for this renovation. It should normally take on the order of years for this process to happen, but due to climate change it has been happening at an extremely accelerated rate.2. Roughly similar to (something); quite like (something), though not exactly the same. Well, that's on the order of what I have in mind for the new kitchen, but there are a few tweaks you need to make before it's right.3. As directed or demanded by (someone or some group). The raids were conducted on the order of the State Department.See also: of, on, order

on the order of

1. Approximately, as in We need on the order of three cases of wine for the reception. 2. Like, of a kind similar to, as in Their house is on the order of a colonial saltbox. [c. 1900] See also: of, on, order