Definition

Noun: A list or register of people who are waiting for an opportunity to receive something that is not currently available, such as a service, product, or position. It is used to manage demand and allocate resources in the order requests are received.

Usage

A "waiting list" is used when the supply of an item or availability of a service is limited. People are added to the list and are typically contacted in sequence when a spot opens up. - The popular restaurant has a long waiting list for dinner reservations. - All the seats for the course are full, but you can put your name on the waiting list.

Advanced Usage

• To be on a waiting list: To have one's name registered and awaiting availability.
  • We've been on the waiting list for a community garden plot for over a year.
• To top/head the waiting list: To be the next person in line to receive the available item or service.
  • She is at the top of the waiting list for the apartment.

Variants and Related Words

• Waitlist (verb, chiefly North American): To place someone on a waiting list.
  • The flight was fully booked, so they waitlisted me.

Synonyms

• Reserve list
• Standby list
• Queue (British English, in some contexts)

Related Phrases

• Wait list (alternative spelling, common in North American English): Functions identically to "waiting list".
  • The university uses a wait list for over-subscribed classes.

Noun

1. a roster of those waiting to obtain something