setlist
SET-list
/ˈset.lɪst/
A written list of songs that a musician or group intends to play during a concert.
Refers specifically to the sequence of songs planned for a particular performance night.
The story behind the word. Formed by combining 'set' (a musical performance segment) and 'list', this compound arose in mid-20th-century stage management to help stagehands, light operators, and band members stay synchronized.
Word relationships
- program: Program is used in classical music or theater, while setlist is standard in rock, pop, and jazz.
Commonly confused with
- repertoire: Repertoire is all songs a artist can play; a setlist is the chosen selection for tonight's show.
Word family
- setlists (noun): Plural of setlist.
Collocations
- printed setlist
- opening setlist
- revised setlist
- encore setlist
Example sentences
- "The band changed their setlist at the last minute to include several fan-favorite deep cuts." Concert Review
Memory hook
The LIST of songs for tonight's SET. Tonight's song sequence.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'repertoire', which is the entire library of songs a band knows.
Fun facts
- Concertgoers frequently race to the front stage edge at show end to grab paper setlists taped to the stage floor.
Related words
Also appears in
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