What does queue mean?
A queue is an organized line of people waiting for their turn, or a sequence of tasks and items awaiting attention. As a verb, to queue means to join such a line or to place work in a sequence for later processing. The word is especially common in Britain, India, Australia, and other varieties of English where it also means to postpone or delay an action. In computer systems, queues help organize requests so they can be handled efficiently and in the intended order. The expression “join the queue” is widely understood, including in situations where no physical line is involved. Although “line” is a common synonym, “queue” more clearly suggests an orderly sequence governed by arrival order or a formal processing system. Its unusual history also connects an everyday waiting line with the older meaning of a tail, the part of an animal that trails behind.
A line of people waiting for service or their turn, or an ordered sequence of items or tasks awaiting attention.
"The queue moved slowly toward the ticket desk."
In British English and Indian English, the noun can also mean a waiting list or a postponement.
To join a line of people, or to place an item or task in an orderly sequence for later processing.
"Thousands of people queued online for the release of the new phone."
In British English and Indian English, it can mean to postpone or delay something.
The standard plural is “queues.”
"Several queues formed outside the stadium."
The word for a waiting line began life as a word for an animal's tail, a fitting reminder that both trail behind something.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does queue come from?
The word entered Middle English from Anglo-Norman French queu(e), ultimately from Latin cauda, meaning “tail.” The French word originally referred to a tail and developed the sense of a line of people or things following one another. English borrowed both the tail-related history and the later idea of an ordered sequence. Related English words include “cue,” from the same French and Latin source, and “caudal” and “caudate,” which derive from the Latin root for “tail.”
Related word forms
How queue is actually used
In British English and Indian English, the verb commonly means to postpone or delay something: “They queued the decision until next year.” In computing, it refers to placing data or tasks in a sequence for processing. “Queueing” and “queuing” are both accepted spellings.
Easily confused with queue
A queue is a line of people or items waiting to be served, whereas a cue is a signal or prompt to begin an action or speak.