# linked list

CEFR C1 · Compound

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/linked-list
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Definition

a way of storing data in a computer where each item points to the next one in a chain. Unlike a simple list, the items do not have to be stored next to each other in the computer's memory.

For teachers: a linear data structure consisting of a sequence of elements where each element, or node, contains a reference to the subsequent node in the series. This structure allows for efficient insertion and removal of elements without reorganising the entire collection.

## Examples

- A linked list makes it easy to add new items in the middle.
- The developer chose a linked list to manage the undo history because it allows for constant-time insertions at the beginning of the sequence.
- While a linked list offers flexibility for dynamic memory allocation, it suffers from slower access times compared to arrays because the computer must traverse each node sequentially to reach a specific index.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in computer science contexts; often contrasted with 'array' or 'vector'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.