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

Last fall, the company launched 30 product updates that included “lossless” audio and playlist mixing, in which users can add transitions and match tempos between songs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 15, 2026

Called I know, You're Not Mine - Jag vet, du är inte min - it is currently top of the Spotify playlist of Sweden's most popular songs.

From BBC • Jan. 15, 2026

Throw in a rotating, addictive playlist of earworms and humorous commercial bumpers, and every moment of “Haikyu!!” feels precious.

From Salon • Dec. 26, 2025

“More often than not, they’re hitting play on a playlist or they’re playing an album,” Werde said.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 24, 2025

I settle into the passenger seat and cue up my playlist while Abby merges onto the highway.

From "Leah on the Offbeat" by Becky Albertalli