English Reference

Word

list

US/ˈɫɪst/

UK/lˈɪst/

Definitions

01a series of items

A1 · Beginner Countable noun

n. a series of names, items, or numbers written down one after another.

n. a series of items, names, or tasks written or printed in a specific order for reference or record-keeping.

“I made a shopping list so I wouldn't forget anything at the supermarket.”

“The manager reviewed the inventory list to determine which supplies needed to be reordered before the holiday rush.”

02a tilt to one side

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Nautical Technical

n. a leaning or tilting position, usually of a ship or a building.

n. a leaning or tilting to one side, typically referring to a vessel or structure that is not upright.

“The old ship had a heavy list to the left after the storm.”

“The cargo ship developed a dangerous ten-degree list to starboard after the heavy machinery shifted during the gale.”

Synonyms

03jousting area

C2 · Proficiency Plural noun Archaic · Literary

n. the area where knights used to fight in jousting competitions.

n. the barriers or palisades enclosing an area for jousting or combat.

“The knights entered the lists to prove their bravery before the king.”

“The heralds cleared the lists as the two champions prepared for the final pass of the tournament.”

Synonyms

04to write in order

A2 · Elementary

v. to write or say a series of things in a specific order.

v. to record or enumerate items in a series; often used when cataloguing information.

“Please list your previous jobs on the application form.”

“The report lists several recommendations for improving the company's environmental impact over the next decade.”

05to tilt

C1 · Advanced Nautical Technical

v. to lean or tilt to one side.

v. to lean or cause to lean to one side, especially of a ship.

“The boat started to list as water leaked into the engine room.”

“The damaged vessel began to list heavily, forcing the crew to abandon ship before it capsized entirely.”

Synonyms

Antonyms

06to listen

C2 · Proficiency Archaic · Literary

v. an old word for listening to something.

v. to listen or pay attention to; used primarily in poetry or older texts.

“List to the sound of the wind in the trees.”

“The poet urged his audience to list closely to the whispers of the ancient forest.”

Synonyms

hearkenlisten

Antonyms

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “list” in context.

01. lists several ways 02. list includes 03. list of all the stories 04. list of key 05. list of properties 06. following list 07. list produce 08. table list

Word family

Related words

Idioms

Domains

AgricultureArchitectureBusinessComputingMilitaryNauticalProgramming

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
Frequency
Very common
Level
A1 · BeginnerOxford
Updated

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English Reference