lists

[ lists ]

noun

, (used with a singular or plural verb)

1. an enclosed arena for a tilting contest.
2. the barriers enclosing this arena.
3. any place or scene of combat, competition, controversy, etc.

lists

/ lɪsts /

plural noun

1. history
   1. the enclosed field of combat at a tournament
   2. the barriers enclosing the field at a tournament
2. any arena or scene of conflict, controversy, etc
3. enter the lists
   to engage in a conflict, controversy, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of lists¹

1350–1400; Middle English listes, plural of liste list ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of lists¹

C14: plural of list ² (border, boundary)

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. enter the lists, to involve oneself in a conflict or contest:

   to enter the lists against the protective tariff.

Example Sentences

Other policies, from housebuilding to hospital waiting lists, will become priorities, too, under the plans to be announced by the prime minister on Thursday.

From BBC

More than half a million people are now on lists to have their first consultation with a specialist.

From BBC

Two of Emma’s children have complex medical needs and have spent years on “endless waiting lists”, she says.

From BBC

"The cases that are being taken out of the lists are cases that were ready to be heard before next April, so cases with judges, staff, courts, advocates, witnesses and complainants available," she said.

From BBC

Waiting lists and social housing are also an issue.

From BBC

Related Words

• account
• agenda
• archive
• ballot
• bill
• calendar
• catalog
• checklist
• dictionary
• directory
• draft
• file
• index
• inventory
• lineup
• listing
• menu
• poll
• program
• schedule