What does cuing mean?
"Cuing" is the present participle of the verb "cue," meaning to signal or prompt someone to act at a particular moment. Its natural home is the performing arts: a stage manager cues actors for entrances, a conductor cues soloists, a broadcaster cues pre-recorded segments. By extension it appears in psychology and everyday language, where environmental triggers cue particular behaviours or responses. A second, technical sense involves preparing recorded material — audio or video — so that it is ready to play at the right moment, as when a DJ cues up the next track. Because it looks so similar on the page, "cuing" is frequently confused with "queuing" (waiting in line), but the two words are unrelated in meaning. The word carries a practical, behind-the-scenes connotation, evoking the invisible coordination that makes a polished performance look effortless.
verbThe present participle and gerund of the verb "cue" — giving someone a signal or prompt to act, speak, or begin, especially in theatre or broadcasting.
- Giving a signal or prompt to someone to act or speak (especially in theatre, broadcasting, or performance)
- Setting up audio or video equipment ready for playback
"The stage manager was cuing the actors for their entrances during the live broadcast."
"The director was carefully cuing each lighting change to match the music."
"She spent the afternoon cuing up tracks for the evening's radio show."
In theatre, an actor's whole performance can hinge on a single moment of good cuing — miss it, and the scene falls apart in front of everyone.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of cuing
The verb "cue" derives from the noun "cue," which appeared in English theatrical usage in the 16th–17th century as the final line or word of one actor's speech that signals another to begin. Its ultimate origin is uncertain, though it has often been linked to the letter Q, used in acting scripts to mark such passages, possibly influenced by the French "queue" (tail). From this theatrical sense the verb developed meaning "to give a signal," with "cuing" as its participial form.
Related word forms
How cuing is actually used
Primarily used in professional contexts — theatre, film, radio, television — where timing depends on precise signals. The verb "cue" is also used more broadly in psychology and everyday speech to mean prompting behaviour. Spelling is standard; do not confuse with "queuing".
Easily confused with cuing
"Queuing" is the -ing form of "queue" (waiting in line), while "cuing" is the -ing form of "cue" (giving a signal or prompt).