1 : the way that things or people are organized for a particular purpose or activity : the way that things or people are arranged [noncount] ▪ They changed the arrangement of furniture in the room. ▪ the dictionary's alphabetical arrangement [=ordering] of words ▪ the collection and arrangement of data [count] ▪ a chronological arrangement of historical events ▪ We tried several different arrangements of the parts/components/elements. ▪ Having my brother and his wife living nearby was an ideal arrangement for our family. ▪ The family had very unusual living arrangements. ▪ “What were your sleeping arrangements?” “I slept on the bed while he slept on the floor.” ▪ We'll have to change the seating arrangements for the dinner party. 2 : something that is done to prepare or plan for something in the future [count] — usually plural ▪ She has her secretary handle all of her travel arrangements. ▪ He helped his mother with his father's funeral arrangements. — often used with make ▪ The city made special arrangements [=preparations] for the Queen's visit. ▪ All of the arrangements have been made in advance. ▪ They made arrangements to meet each other at the restaurant. ▪ We provide breakfast and dinner, but you make your own arrangements for lunch. [noncount] ▪ Her job includes arrangement of her boss's travel plans. 3 [count] : a usually informal agreement
▪ There was an unusual political arrangement between the two countries. ▪ business/financial arrangements ▪ I'm sure we can come to some arrangement. — often + with ▪ Our band has an arrangement with the club's manager. ▪ The company made an arrangement with the college to supply all of its computers. 4 [count] : something made by putting things together and organizing them
▪ a flower/floral arrangement = an arrangement of flowers 5 [count] music : a piece of music that has been changed so that it can be performed by particular types of voices or instruments
▪ orchestral/vocal arrangements ▪ an arrangement for the guitar ▪ a rock arrangement of an old blues song