What does it mean to "order" in the context of dining?

In the context of dining, "to order" specifically refers to the action of asking for food in a restaurant. When a customer places an order, they communicate their meal preferences to the server, which initiates the process of preparing and serving that food. This term is integral to dining out and typically involves selecting from a menu where items are listed, often with descriptions and prices. The act of ordering sets the stage for the entire dining experience, from the moment the request is made until the meal is served.

The other options refer to different aspects of the dining experience. Preparing a dish relates to the cooking process, which occurs after an order is placed. Serving a meal focuses on bringing the food to the table, an action that happens post-order as well. Paying for a meal is related to the transaction that occurs after dining but does not pertain to the initial request for food. Thus, the definition of "to order" in this context is distinctly tied to the act of requesting food in a restaurant setting.