List Meaning, Examples and Common Usage

Meaning 1：a series of items written in order (list)

list 🔊

/lɪst/

a written collection of names, things, or numbers, often one after another.

Handwritten shopping list on yellow notepad with pen

a series of items written in order 🔊

➕

/ə ˈsɪriːz əv ˈaɪtəmz ˈrɪtn ɪn ˈɔːrdər/

A written or printed collection of names, objects, or numbers arranged one after another, typically for reference or to check off.

📁 Category：School Education 🔖 Level：beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old English 'liste' meaning border, later used for a roll or catalogue.

💡 Mnemonic

List it down to avoid the frown.

📖 Example

My mom quickly wrote a list of groceries on a notepad before heading to the supermarket. 🔊 My mom wrote a grocery list on a notepad before going to the supermarket.

🔗 Collocations

shopping list – a list of items needed to buy

to-do list – a list of tasks to be completed

list of contents – a list of chapters or sections in a book

🔄 Synonyms

catalog (n.) – a complete list of items, often in alphabetical or systematic order

roster (n.) – a list of people's names, often for duty or membership

inventory (n.) – a detailed list of goods, property, or stock

🌱 Derivatives

listing (n.) – an item in a list or the act of making a list

listed (adj.) – included in a list, especially officially

list (v.) – to make a list of items or to be listed

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'list' has Germanic roots. In modern English, it is commonly used in everyday contexts like shopping lists, to-do lists, and reading lists, reflecting its practical function.