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

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

Key to the band’s longevity, of course, is a deep store of hits that now themselves count as staples of any classic rock playlist.

From Los Angeles Times • 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

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

From MarketWatch • Dec. 24, 2025

It was as clear as the song credits scrolling in a playlist.

From "The Smartest Kid in the Universe" by Chris Grabenstein