# list

/ˈɫɪst/ (US) · /lˈɪst/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/list
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. a series of items

noun · CEFR A1

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. a tilt to one side

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. jousting area

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Literary

the area where knights used to fight in jousting competitions.

For teachers: 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.

### 4. to write in order

verb · CEFR A2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 5. to tilt

verb · CEFR C1 · Technical

to lean or tilt to one side.

For teachers: 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.

### 6. to listen

verb · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Literary

an old word for listening to something.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- I need to make a shopping list before I go to the store.
- The manager checked the guest list twice to ensure everyone had a seat for the ceremony.
- The software generates a comprehensive list of all active processes to help developers identify which applications are consuming the most memory during peak usage.

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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.