# playlist

/ˈpɫeɪɫɪst/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/playlist
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. digital music/video list

noun · CEFR A2

a list of songs or videos you have chosen to play on a streaming service or device.

For teachers: a user-defined or algorithmically generated collection of digital audio or video files intended for sequential playback.

- I made a special playlist of upbeat songs to listen to while I exercise.
- The streaming platform's algorithm suggests a personalized playlist every Monday based on the user's recent listening habits and genre preferences.

### 2. radio or broadcast

noun · CEFR B1

the list of songs that a radio station plans to play.

For teachers: the complete schedule of recordings selected for broadcast by a radio station over a specific period.

- The station's playlist includes a mix of classic hits and new indie music.
- Securing a spot on the national radio station's daytime playlist is often the primary goal for a new artist's promotional campaign.

### 3. live performance

noun · CEFR B2

the list of songs a band plans to play during a concert.

For teachers: the sequence of musical pieces prepared by a performer or group for a specific live event.

- The band changed their playlist at the last minute to include their most famous song.
- The wedding band requested a preferred playlist from the couple to ensure the evening's entertainment matched the desired atmosphere.

### 4. to add to a list

verb · CEFR C1 · Technical

to add a specific song to a list of tracks to be played.

For teachers: to include a specific recording within a broadcast or digital rotation. Transitive, taking the track as the direct object.

- The new single was playlisted by several major radio stations this week.
- After the track went viral on social media, it was playlisted by several influential curators, leading to a massive spike in streaming revenue.

## Examples

- I made a new playlist for my morning run.
- The DJ spent hours creating the perfect wedding playlist to ensure guests of all ages would want to dance.
- While algorithmic recommendations dominate modern streaming, many users still prefer the personal touch of a hand-crafted playlist that captures a specific emotional journey or historical era.

---

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.