laundry list

American  

noun

Informal.

1. a lengthy, especially random list of items.

   a laundry list of hoped-for presents; a laundry list of someone's crimes.

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laundry list British  

noun

1. a list of items perceived as being long

   a laundry list of complaints

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Etymology

Origin of laundry list

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

If the reader starts to feel pangs of resentment about this laundry list of expectations — well, we’re reminded that marriage is hard for a man too.

From Salon • May 8, 2026

The 36-year-old from Orlando, Fla., arrived in late February for a weeklong trip with friends, checking off a laundry list of theme parks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

The plan presented to Iranian leadership Tuesday broadly included a 30-day ceasefire and sanctions relief for Iran in exchange for a laundry list of U.S. demands, according to the Associated Press and other outlets.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026

Investors have been worried about a laundry list of issues, including regulatory changes, economic prospects and whether there’s simply much more room to convert cash-based payments over to cards.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 28, 2026

But a mere laundry list of every possible difference does not constitute an answer to Yali’s question.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond