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.

---

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

---

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

A ditty anchoring one of Explosive Media’s most popular videos, “L.O.S.E.R.,” tops a Spotify playlist that it created.

From Salon • Apr. 26, 2026

The idea is each playlist is the soundtrack to a section of her journey that they both listen to, so they can feel connected despite the distance.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

Their lively, accordion-rich music feels classic enough to be right at home on the playlist for your next carne asada.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2026

Her playlist includes hits from Justin Bieber and Calvin Harris, alongside other upbeat tracks that remind her of what it felt like to be 18 and fearless.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 29, 2026

“Oh, I don’t know. Maybe it’s because my number-one-daughter-made playlist finally paid off.”

From "Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence" by Sonja Thomas