waiting list

noun

1. a list of persons waiting, as for reservations, appointments, living accommodations, or admission to a school.

waiting list

noun

1. a list of people waiting to obtain some object, treatment, status, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of waiting list¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

Ms Morrison urged the Department of Health to make "cancer waits a clear priority" following the appointment of a new lead to tackle waiting lists.

From BBC

"There's currently more than a year's waiting list, and if the government brings in the reforms its proposing, it's going to get a lot worse," she says.

From BBC

Figures published at the end of August, show in the second quarter of this year 49,129 households in Northern Ireland were on a social housing waiting list.

From BBC

Since 2023 Noah's Ark Centre and, later the Carpets Like a Boss project, have carpeted more than 600 homes in Calderdale, and there are still around 80 people on the waiting list.

From BBC

She said ministers had been warned that the changes would lead to "hospital-style waiting lists in general practice" which could "reduce face-to-face GP appointments".

From BBC

Related Words

• short list 
• standby