B1noun2K

Queue

UK /["/kjuː/"]/US /["/kjuː/"]/

Definition

a line of people, cars, etc. waiting for something or to do something

In simple words: A line of people or things waiting for something.

Examples

  • There was a long queue outside the concert venue.
  • I had to wait in the queue for over an hour.
  • Make sure to join the queue if you want to buy tickets.
  • In computer programming, you can use a queue to manage tasks efficiently.
  • The printer uses a queue to handle multiple print jobs at once.

Usage notes

Use 'queue' to refer to people waiting in line, especially in British English. In American English, 'line' is more common. Avoid using in very formal writing.

Grammar pattern

queue + object

Memory hint

Think of a 'cue' to line up like actors waiting for their turn.

Collocations

  • endless
  • long
  • growing
  • form
  • line up in
  • join
  • form
  • build up
  • grow
  • in a/​the queue
  • queue for
  • queue of
  • the back of the queue
  • the end of the queue
  • the front of the queue

Synonyms

  • line
  • string
  • waitlist
  • seqeunce

Antonyms

  • disorder
  • chaos

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'cue', which means a signal to do something.
  • Using 'queue' as a verb incorrectly without specifying the object.
  • Saying 'in queue' instead of 'in line' in American contexts.