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

Read: Start on your bucket list now, says the Oscar-nominated director of the film ‘Retirement Plan’

From MarketWatch • Mar. 16, 2026

Clayton Kershaw isn’t thinking about returning to the Dodgers, but he is excited to tackle something on his bucket list: pitching for the U.S. in the WBC.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 15, 2026

He has also treated himself to a new car and is planning a bucket list holiday, while also considering buying a share of a racehorse to make going to the races "even more special".

From BBC • Mar. 7, 2026

Bukele, a savvy communicator, tirelessly promotes his country as the new bucket list destination on social media.

From Barron's • Feb. 24, 2026

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

From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad