playlist

American  

[pley-list] / ˈpleɪˌlɪst /

noun

1. a list of the recordings to be played on the radio during a particular program or time period, often including their sequence, duration, etc.

2. Digital Technology. an electronic file containing a list of audio or video files that can be played back on a media player sequentially or in random order.

   to create a playlist of your favorite songs.

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playlist British  

/ ˈpleɪˌlɪst /

noun

1. a list of records chosen for playing, as on a radio station

2. a list of tracks to be played in a particular order on an MP3 player or CD player

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verb

1. (tr) to put (a song or record) on a playlist

Etymology

Origin of playlist

First recorded in 1960–65; play + list ¹

Example Sentences

This playlist is mostly a mix of jazzy downtempo electronica like Jerry Paper’s “Grey Area” or the Mild High Club’s “Windowpane,” the latter of which has one of my favorite intros of all time.

From Salon • Jun. 6, 2026

The playlist running through his speakers was a perfect mix of American pop and the beats of Punjabi music.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

The playlist is still running in his car — the two sounds, the two worlds, no longer competing.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

There’s also the much more fiercely debated trend of cataloging micro-aesthetics—sorting every conceivable vibe into named categories like “dark academia” or “coastal grandmother,” each with its own dress code and playlist.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

“Just make the most epic road trip playlist of all time.”

From "Leah on the Offbeat" by Becky Albertalli