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

The most recent issue contains detailed instructions for building car bombs, and the magazine frequently draws up hit-lists.

From The Daily Beast

The Amazon biography for an author named Papa Faal mentions both Gambia and lists a military record that matches the FBI report.

From The Daily Beast

That tweet came from Shay Horse, whose bio lists him as an independent photojournalist with ties to Occupy Wall Street.

From The Daily Beast

In fact, the recent outpouring of travel superlative lists is already targeting the next best thing.

From The Daily Beast

As the year winds to a close, film critics start to unveil their lists of the best films of the year.

From The Daily Beast

The usual monthly lists of accessions have been sent out during the recess.

From Project Gutenberg

One of the leading manufacturers in New York already prints his price lists on asbestos paper.

From Project Gutenberg

He was still on the probation lists, but I could see that he had the making of a fine cop in him.

From Project Gutenberg

Iftikhar bowed his head,—in no very good grace, it seemed,—and cantered sulkily to the upper end of the lists.

From Project Gutenberg

It is absent from the next grant for livery and from the actors lists for various plays which are assigned to 1619 or 1620.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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