adjective
- arranged or disposed in a neat, tidy manner or in a regular sequence: an orderly desk.
- observant of or governed by system or method, as persons or the mind.
- characterized by or observant of law, rule, or discipline; well-behaved; law-abiding: an orderly assemblage of citizens.
- pertaining to or charged with the communication or execution of orders.
adverb
- methodically; regularly.
- according to established order or rule.
noun, plural or·der·lies.
- Military. an enlisted soldier assigned to perform various chores for a commanding officer or group of officers.
- a hospital attendant having general, nonmedical duties.
adjective
- in order, properly arranged, or tidy
- obeying or appreciating method, system, and arrangement
- harmonious or peaceful
- military of or relating to ordersan orderly book
adverb
- rare according to custom or rule
noun plural -lies
- med a male hospital attendant
- military a junior rank detailed to carry orders or perform minor tasks for a more senior officer
n.“military attendant who carries orders,” 1781, short for orderly corporal, etc. Extended 1809 to an attendant at a hospital (originally a military hospital) charged with keeping things in order and clean. See orderly (adj.). adj.“arranged in order,” 1570s, from order (n.) + -ly (1). adv.late 15c., “in due order,” from order + -ly (2). n.
- An attendant in a hospital.