Waitlist: meaning, definitions and examples
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waitlist
[ ˈweɪtˌlɪst ]
queue management
A waitlist is a list of individuals who have requested a spot or service that is currently unavailable. It allows organizations to manage demand for limited resources, such as seats in a restaurant, tickets for an event, or spaces in a class.
Synonyms
backlog, queue, reservation list
Examples of usage
- I signed up for the waitlist at the restaurant.
- The concert sold out, but I joined the waitlist in case of cancellations.
- The yoga class was full, so I added my name to the waitlist.
- After getting on the waitlist, I received an email about an opening.
Etymology
The term 'waitlist' has emerged from the combination of the verb 'wait' and the noun 'list'. The word 'wait' originates from the Old English 'wætan', which means to stay in place or to remain in a location. The usage of 'list' comes from the Middle English 'liste', meaning a strip or border. The formalization of 'waitlist' in English usage is relatively recent and likely arose in the late 20th century within hospitality and service industries. The concept became increasingly important as businesses needed to efficiently manage customer expectations and reservations for limited availability services. As the demand for organized tracking of customers grew, particularly in sectors like healthcare, entertainment, and dining, the 'waitlist' became a standard operational term.