Queue: meaning, definitions and examples
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queue
[kjuː ]
Definitions
waiting in line
A line of people or vehicles waiting for their turn to be attended or to proceed.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| queue |
Commonly used in British English to refer to a line of people or vehicles waiting their turn for something. It can also refer to tasks waiting to be processed in a system.
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| line |
Primarily used in American English to describe a line of people or things waiting. It can also imply an order or sequence of things.
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| lineup |
Often refers to a group of people or things placed in a line for identification or inspection. It can also mean a list of items or participants in an event.
|
| row |
Usually refers to things placed in a horizontal line, often used for objects rather than people. Can also be used more abstractly for sequences of things.
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Examples of usage
- There was a long queue at the ticket counter.
- She joined the queue for the new iPhone release.
waiting in line
To wait in line for one's turn.
Synonyms
line-up, stand in line, wait in line.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| queue |
This term is commonly used in British English and refers to a group of people waiting their turn. It can also apply to a sequence of items in a particular order, such as tasks.
|
| line-up |
This term often refers to a scheduled group of events or participants. It can be used for people waiting in an orderly line, but it's less common in casual conversation.
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| wait in line |
This is a common expression in American English referring to the act of waiting for your turn in a line.
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| stand in line |
Primarily used in American English, this phrase refers to people physically standing in a sequential order, waiting for their turn.
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Examples of usage
- We had to queue for over an hour to get into the concert.
- The customers queued patiently for the store to open.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the French term 'queue,' meaning 'tail,' which reflects how people wait in a line, resembling a tail.
- In Middle English, the term 'cue' was used, reflecting its evolution in usage and pronunciation throughout history.
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, queuing is a sign of politeness and order, particularly seen in the UK where it’s considered a social norm.
- In Japan, the practice of forming queues is taken very seriously, to the point where people often wait in line for hours for train tickets or popular food spots.
Technology
- In computer science, a 'queue' is a type of data structure where elements are processed in a first-in, first-out (FIFO) manner, just like a line of people.
- Network traffic is often managed using queues to ensure efficient handling of data packets, preventing congestion and delays.
Psychology
- Studies show that people feel less anxious when they are part of a queue, as it indicates order and fairness.
- People are generally willing to wait longer in a queue if they believe the wait is justified, such as for high-quality products or services.
Literature
- Queues symbolize societal organization and often appear in literature to depict waiting, anticipation, or even frustration.
- Famous authors have used the concept of queuing to explore themes of patience and human behavior, reflecting societal norms.
Translations
Translations of the word "queue" in other languages:
🇵🇹 fila
🇮🇳 कतार
🇩🇪 Schlange
🇮🇩 antrian
🇺🇦 черга
🇵🇱 kolejka
🇯🇵 列
🇫🇷 file
🇪🇸 cola
🇹🇷 kuyruk
🇰🇷 줄
🇸🇦 طابور
🇨🇿 fronta
🇸🇰 rad
🇨🇳 队列
🇸🇮 vrsta
🇮🇸 röð
🇰🇿 кезек
🇬🇪 რიგი
🇦🇿 növbə
🇲🇽 cola