Definition: Before a game is released, you can reserve a copy of the store's shipment by pre-ordering. Pre-ordering involves paying a small amount of the total price, or waiting until the game is shipped for the price to be charged to your credit card (this is usually the case with online stores). Pre-ordering games has become commonplace, and often times is not needed, unless a game is extremely popular.
Examples:
Many "The Sims" fans pre-ordered "The Sims 2," because they are afraid they won't be able to find a copy of the game.
