waiting list

Meaning

A 'waiting list' is an official list of people who are waiting for something that is currently unavailable, such as a hotel room, a flight seat, or a table at a popular restaurant. When a spot becomes free, the people on this list are offered it in order. It is commonly used in travel, hospitality, and services.

Examples

• The hotel is fully booked, but we can put you on the waiting list in case of cancellations.

  The hotel is fully booked, but we can put you on the waiting list in case of cancellations.

• I'm currently number three on the waiting list for the flight to Chicago.

  I'm currently number three on the waiting list for the flight to Chicago.

• Is there a waiting list for the guided tour tomorrow morning?

  Is there a waiting list for the guided tour tomorrow morning?

• She got off the waiting list and managed to secure a cabin on the cruise.

  She got off the waiting list and managed to secure a cabin on the cruise.

• Because the restaurant is so popular, the waiting list is usually two weeks long.

  Because the restaurant is so popular, the waiting list is usually two weeks long.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I am in the wait list for the next flight.

  ✓ I am on the waiting list for the next flight.

  We use the preposition 'on' (not 'in') with 'waiting list', and the standard noun form is 'waiting list' (or 'waitlist' as one word).

• ✗ They put me to the waiting list.

  ✓ They put me on the waiting list.

  The correct verb-preposition collocation is 'to put someone on a waiting list'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The train is sold out, but you can join the ___ in case someone cancels.

  💡 A list of people hoping to get a spot if one opens up.

  Show answer

  waiting list

• We were lucky to get tickets because we were quite low on the ___.

  💡 The list you join when an event is fully booked.

  Show answer

  waiting list