list
lihst
List (noun) means a series of names, items, or numbers written or said one after another. Example: “She made a shopping list before heading to the store.”
noun
1
A series of names, items, or numbers written or said one after another.
"She made a shopping list before heading to the store."
"His name was at the top of the guest list."
"Check the list on the fridge to see whose turn it is to cook."
2
A narrow strip or border, especially the edge of a piece of cloth.
"The tailor trimmed the list from the bolt of fabric."
"The weaver left a plain list along each edge of the cloth."
"You can cut off the list before sewing the curtains together."
verb
1
To write or name a series of items one after another.
"The website lists all the ingredients used in the recipe."
"Please list your previous employers on the application."
"The teacher asked us to list five good reasons for recycling."
2
(of a ship) To lean over to one side.
"The damaged ferry began to list heavily to starboard."
"After the cargo shifted, the old trawler began to list to port."
"The boat listed badly, so the crew moved the crates to the other side."
How to use list
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA set of items written down one after another, or the act of writing them down that way.
Common pairings
make a list
shopping list
waiting list
top of the list
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Word forms
- Plural
- lists
- Third person singular
- lists
- Past tense
- listed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She made a shopping _____ before heading to the store.
Etymology
From Old English liste ("edge, border, strip") — the sense of an enumerated set of items developed later from the idea of items arranged in a row.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for list
See all rhymes for list →Frequently asked questions
What does “list” mean?
The word “list” means a series of names, items, or numbers written or said one after another. In plain terms, a set of items written down one after another, or the act of writing them down that way.
How do you pronounce “list”?
“List” is pronounced lihst (/lɪst/ in IPA).
How do you use “list” in a sentence?
Here is “list” used in a sentence: “She made a shopping list before heading to the store.”
What part of speech is “list”?
Depending on how it is used, “list” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “list” come from?
The word “list” comes from Old English. From Old English liste ("edge, border, strip") — the sense of an enumerated set of items developed later from the idea of items arranged in a row.
Is “list” a common word?
“List” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “list” have?
“List” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a series of names, items, or numbers written or said one after another.
What are the main types of lists?
Lists take many forms depending on use. Bulleted lists group items without ranking them, numbered lists show order or steps, and checklists let you tick things off. Everyday examples include to-do lists, shopping lists, guest lists, and waiting lists. In each, items simply follow one after another.
What is the difference between a list and a table?
A list is one-dimensional: a single sequence of items running down or across, one after another. A table is two-dimensional, arranging information in rows and columns so you can compare values across categories. Use a list for simple sequences, and a table when each item has several related details.
What is an example of a list?
A shopping list is a familiar example — 'milk, bread, eggs, coffee' — each item written one after another. Other everyday lists include a to-do list of tasks, a guest list of names, a playlist of songs, and the numbered ingredients at the top of a recipe.
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