queue

[ kyoo ]

noun

1. a braid of hair worn hanging down behind.
2. a file or line, especially of people waiting their turn.
3. Computers. a FIFO-organized sequence of items, as data, messages, jobs, or the like, waiting for action.

verb (used with or without object)

, queued, queu·ing.

1. to form in a line while waiting (often followed by up ).
2. Computers. to arrange (data, jobs, messages, etc.) into a queue.

queue

/ kjuː /

noun

1. a line of people, vehicles, etc, waiting for something

   a queue at the theatre

2. computing a list in which entries are deleted from one end and inserted at the other
3. a pigtail
4. jump the queue
   See queue-jump

verb

1. introften foll byup to form or remain in a line while waiting
2. computing to arrange (a number of programs) in a predetermined order for accessing by a computer

Other Words From

• queu·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of queue¹

First recorded in 1585–95; from Middle French, from Latin cauda, cōda “tail”

Word History and Origins

Origin of queue¹

C16 (in the sense: tail); C18 (in the sense: pigtail): via French from Latin cauda tail

Example Sentences

She said his "tax mess" had led to cabinet ministers "queuing up for public sector bailouts".

From BBC

More than 2.6 million passengers used the airport in October and 99% of passengers passed through security in 15 minutes or less with an average queue time of two minutes during the main departure peaks.

From BBC

The man had been waiting in a queue to visit Holyrood and collapsed near the entrance.

From BBC

In past elections, queues have gotten longer closer to the times polls close.

From BBC

The Glastonbury festival has announced changes to its booking process, with the introduction of an automatic queue system.

From BBC