bucket list

American  

noun

Informal.

1. a list of things a person wants to achieve or experience, as before reaching a certain age or dying.

   a bucket list for a terminally ill patient;

   What’s on your summer bucket list?

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bucket list British  

noun

1. informal a list of experiences one wants to have before one dies

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Etymology

Origin of bucket list

First recorded in 2005–10; from the idiom kick the bucket “to die”

Example Sentences

"Australia is for many of us a bucket list destination," the UK travel industry body tells us.

From BBC • Jun. 26, 2026

By the time we packed up our tents and chairs, my brother had crossed Melville’s masterpiece off his bucket list.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 25, 2026

Call it a wish list, bucket list or checklist — the dashboard is all yours.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

As Fenway prices have soared, the experience commodified into a bucket list item with Green Monster seats and a “Sweet Caroline” singalong, the team’s performance has veered around like a cat driving a Buick.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 27, 2026

Getting straight A’s wasn’t on Qareeb’s bucket list, despite my parents’ best efforts.

From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad