Is an order a pleading

Answer 1

No. Federal Rules of Civil Procedure 7(a) defines pleadings:

(1) a complaint;

(2) an answer to a complaint;

(3) an answer to a counterclaim designated as a counterclaim;

(4) an answer to a crossclaim;

(5) a third-party complaint;

(6) an answer to a third-party complaint; and

(7) if the court orders one, a reply to an answer.

Strictly speaking, then, nothing else is a pleading. But many lawyers call just about anything that they file in court a pleading. Even then an order would not be a pleading because an order is issued by the court.

Answer 2

No, they are not the same. A 'pleading" is an 'argument' made to a judge or magistrate. An 'order' is a directive issued by the court that something should be done or take place.