Synonyms

lists

American

[lists] / lɪsts /

noun

(used with a singular or plural verb)

an enclosed arena for a tilting contest.
the barriers enclosing this arena.
any place or scene of combat, competition, controversy, etc.

idioms

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

to enter the lists against the protective tariff.

lists British

/ lɪsts /

plural noun

history
1. the enclosed field of combat at a tournament
2. the barriers enclosing the field at a tournament
any arena or scene of conflict, controversy, etc
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.

Lists, receipts and liberal return policies quietly lower information frictions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 23, 2025

Lists of recommended supplies circulated on social media.

From Slate • Apr. 5, 2024

“Until the very last moment, you don’t know. Lists are exchanged but afterward there have often been difficulties,” Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna said Tuesday on RTL radio.

From Washington Times • Nov. 28, 2023

Lists of candidates standing for each council can be found on the Electoral Office's website.

From BBC • May 18, 2023

“Telephone circuits are jammed up. Everybody’s doing their best. Lists of the dead and the living and the missing are going out on the radio. Give your messages to him.”

From "Out of Darkness" by Ashley Hope Pérez

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