qu qiu bai
B1Neutral to Formal
Definition
Meaning
A line of people or vehicles waiting for something, or the act of forming or joining such a line.
A list of data items, tasks, or other elements waiting to be processed in a specific order; to arrange in a sequence for processing.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used as a noun but also functions as a verb; strongly associated with British culture and orderliness. The verb 'queue' implies an intentional, orderly wait.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
"Queue" is the standard term in UK English. In US English, "line" is the dominant noun ("stand in line"), and "queue" is more common in technical/computing contexts.
Connotations
In UK English, 'queueing' is a cultural norm associated with fairness. In US English, 'queue' can sound formal or technical outside of computing.
Frequency
Very high frequency in UK English across all registers. Lower frequency in general US English, but high in technical jargon.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[to] queue (for something)[to] queue (up)[to] queue to do somethingsomething is in a queueVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “jump the queue (UK)/cut in line (US)”
- “queue up”
- “at the head of the queue”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Managing customer service queues.
Academic
Describing data structures in computer science (e.g., FIFO queue).
Everyday
Waiting for a bus or at a shop checkout.
Technical
A data structure or list of tasks/messages awaiting processing.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- We had to queue for over an hour to get into the exhibition.
- Please queue on the right for the self-service tills.
American English
- The system will queue the print jobs in the order received.
- Fans queued up overnight for concert tickets.
adjective
British English
- The queue management system was very efficient.
- Please take a queue number from the dispenser.
American English
- The queue length for the server was unacceptable.
- We implemented a new queue algorithm.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- There is a long queue for the ice cream.
- We queue for the bus every morning.
- If you want tickets, you'll need to queue up early.
- I hate queueing at the supermarket checkout.
- The software places incoming messages in a priority queue.
- A disorderly queue formed outside the embassy.
- Critics argue the new policy will result in patients being queued indefinitely for treatment.
- The router uses sophisticated algorithms to manage packet queues.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the silent U, E, U, E in 'queue' as four people standing patiently in a line.
Conceptual Metaphor
WAITING IS A LINEAR STRUCTURE; ORDER IS A LINE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'cue' (сигнал).
- The Russian 'очередь' is a direct translation for the noun.
- Avoid using 'line' in UK contexts.
Common Mistakes
- Spelling: 'que' (incorrect).
- Using 'queue' as a verb without a preposition (e.g., 'We queued the bus' instead of 'We queued for the bus').
- Pronouncing the 'ueue' part.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'queue' MOST likely used in American English?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The correct spelling for a line of people or a list of tasks is 'queue'. 'Que' is incorrect. 'Cue' is a different word meaning a signal or prompt.
It is the standard word in British English for a line of people. It is used in American English, but primarily in technical contexts (computing). In everyday US English, 'line' is more common.
It is pronounced like the letter 'Q' /kjuː/. The rest of the letters (ueue) are silent.
Yes. It means to wait in or form a line (e.g., 'We queued for tickets'). The -ing form can be spelled 'queueing' or 'queuing', both are accepted.