listicle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Medium-LowInformal, journalistic, digital/media discourse
Quick answer
What does “listicle” mean?
An article, especially online, that is presented in the form of a list.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An article, especially online, that is presented in the form of a list.
A journalistic format designed for easy consumption, blending information with entertainment by using a numbered or bulleted list structure, often to discuss topics, rank items, or provide advice. It is a dominant feature of digital media and clickbait culture.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in definition or spelling. The concept is equally prevalent in both digital media landscapes.
Connotations
In both varieties, it can have negative connotations (trivial, clickbait) or neutral ones (a recognized, effective content format). The negative connotation is slightly more pronounced in more formal or traditional media criticism.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to the prominence of US-based digital media and content marketing industries, but widely used and understood in the UK.
Grammar
How to Use “listicle” in a Sentence
publish a listicle on [topic]a listicle about [topic]the listicle features [items]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “listicle” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The editor asked me to listicle that travel guide into '7 Must-See Spots'.
- They've listicled every major news event this year.
American English
- We need to listicle this research for a broader audience.
- The magazine listicled the best new TV shows.
adjective
British English
- The site has a very listicle-heavy content strategy.
- I'm tired of that listicle style of writing.
American English
- It was a typical listicle article from a content farm.
- The listicle format guarantees more clicks.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in digital marketing and content strategy discussions to refer to a high-engagement content format.
Academic
Rare, except in media studies, journalism, or cultural criticism analysing digital media trends.
Everyday
Used when discussing online articles, often with a hint of irony ("I wasted my morning reading listicles").
Technical
Not a technical term in fields outside media/digital marketing.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “listicle”
- Pronouncing it as /laɪˈstɪkəl/ (like 'lie-stickle'). The first syllable is always /lɪst/ like the word 'list'.
- Using it to refer to any list (e.g., a shopping list). It specifically refers to a published article.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a recognised blend word (portmanteau) that has been included in major dictionaries like the Oxford English Dictionary and Merriam-Webster since the mid-2010s.
Opinions vary. They are effective for engagement and simplifying information, but are often criticised for promoting superficiality and clickbait over in-depth analysis. They are a tool, and their quality depends on execution.
While the format existed in print (e.g., 'Top 10' lists in magazines), the term 'listicle' originated and is overwhelmingly used for digital content. A print version would typically just be called a 'list' or 'feature list'.
A checklist is a practical tool for tracking tasks or items (e.g., a packing checklist). A listicle is an article for reading, using a list structure to present information, opinions, or entertainment on a topic.
An article, especially online, that is presented in the form of a list.
Listicle is usually informal, journalistic, digital/media discourse in register.
Listicle: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlɪstɪk(ə)l/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlɪstɪkəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A LIST artICLE is a LISTICLE. It's an article that's just a list.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTENT IS FAST FOOD (easily consumed, not necessarily nourishing, designed for quick satisfaction).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of a listicle?