queue
queue Lexical Profile
queue Game Scores & Validity
• noun
British A line or sequence of people or vehicles awaiting their turn to be attended to or to proceed.
"A long queue of commuters formed outside the train station during the morning rush hour."
In computing, a list of data items, commands, or tasks stored so as to be retrievable in a definite order, usually first-in, first-out.
"Several large documents are currently stuck in the office print queue."
A braid of hair worn hanging down behind at the back of the neck.
"Historical portraits from the eighteenth century often depict soldiers wearing their hair tied back in a neat queue."
• verb
British To take one's place in a waiting line or sequence.
"Fans queued overnight in the rain to purchase tickets for the championship match."
To arrange or schedule digital tasks, files, or media items in a sequence to be processed or played in order.
"She queued several podcast episodes on her phone before boarding the long-haul flight."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'queue' (a waiting line or sequence) with its homophone 'cue' (a signal to act or a rod used in billiards). For a line of people or vehicles, 'queue' is standard in British and Commonwealth English, whereas American English typically prefers 'line'.
• Rhymes for queue
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 16th century from French 'queue', meaning 'tail', which ultimately derives from Latin 'cauda' (tail).