To "place an order" means to request a product or service from a business. For example, when you visit a restaurant and tell the waiter what you want to eat, you are placing an order. This process usually involves choosing items from a menu and providing any special instructions, like how you want your steak cooked. Once you place your order, the restaurant prepares your meal, and you wait for it to be served. Similarly, when shopping online, you select items, add them to your cart, and then confirm your order by providing payment information. This ensures that your desired products are reserved for you.