queue
KYOO
/kjuː/
A line or sequence of items, tasks, or video titles waiting to be processed or played.
In streaming apps, refers to a customized list of media items set to play next in sequence.
The story behind the word. Traces back to Latin 'cauda' (tail). It entered French as 'queue' (tail) and was used in heraldry for animal tails. By the 19th century in Britain, it came to describe a tail-like line of people waiting, and later, digital lists lined up for execution.
Word relationships
- playlist: 'Playlist' is a persistent saved audio/video collection, while 'queue' often implies a temporary next-in-line list.
- random selection: Unordered or shuffled playback without pre-arranged sequence.
Commonly confused with
- cue: 'Cue' is a signal to begin an action; 'queue' is an ordered sequence or line waiting its turn.
Word family
- queuing (verb): Lining up or placing items in a queue sequence.
Collocations
- add to queue
- clear the queue
- jump the queue
- queue up
Idioms & expressions
- in the queue
Example sentences
- "She added five new documentary films to her viewing queue so she could watch them over the holiday." Streaming app navigation
- "The music player automatically processes the track queue in the order you saved them." Everyday technology usage
Memory hook
Q is followed by 4 letters waiting in line behind it! A line waiting like a tail.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'cue' (a prompt or signal to begin).
Fun facts
- 'Queue' is famous for sounding identical even if you remove its last four letters.
Related words
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.