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

The chancellor is expected to say in a speech on Tuesday morning that the Budget will focus on "fairness and opportunity" to bring down NHS waiting lists, the national debt and the cost of living.

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After nine months believing she was on the waiting list, estimated to be six to eight months long, she asked for an update and discovered she was "never referred".

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Earlier this year, the first minister pledged his government would bring down NHS waiting lists and make it easier to get GP appointments.

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With almost 50,000 people on a waiting list for social housing, there is broad political agreement that more homes need to be built.

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Data released earlier this month showed that NHS waiting lists have risen for three consecutive months.

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Related Words

• short list 
• standby