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Synonyms

lists

American  
[lists] / lɪsts /

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.

idioms

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

    to enter the lists against the protective tariff.
lists British  
/ 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. to engage in a conflict, controversy, etc

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of lists

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Dr Alison Wright, president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, welcomed the strategy but said, despite government commitments on waiting lists, "the picture for women remains deeply concerning".

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

A combined company would also have to integrate complex union seniority lists; harmonize a massive fleet, which comprises both Boeing and Airbus jets; and face a web of co-branded card programs offered by each airline.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

The district has posted lists of food distribution sites and community-based “child supervision” sites that could take in a limited number of children.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

House and Senate lawmakers return to Washington on Tuesday, with long and growing to-do lists.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

What had happened to the lists after that?

From "Found" by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.