Meaning & Definition of word "Queue"

Queue

/kjuː/

noun:

  • 1. A line of people or vehicles awaiting their turn to proceed or be attended to.
    • Example: There was a long queue outside the cinema for the opening night of the movie.
  • 2. A sequence of items waiting to be processed or dealt with, often in computing.
    • Example: The printer had a queue of documents waiting to be printed.

verb:

  • 1. To arrange or form in a queue.
    • Example: Please queue up in an orderly fashion before entering the conference room.

Etymology

From the Latin 'cauda' meaning 'tail'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

queue up:

to line up or wait in a line for something.

in the queue:

waiting in line for service.

queue jumping:

the act of moving ahead in line unfairly.

Related Words

line:

A long, narrow mark or band.

row:

A series of things in a straight line.

wait:

To stay in a place until an expected event happens.

Slang Meanings of queue

Meaning: To stand in line.

Example Sentence: I'm queuing for the new iPhone.

Meaning: To wait patiently.

Example Sentence: Just queue it out; we'll be seen soon.