wish list

noun

: a list of desired but often realistically unobtainable items
a wish list of useful changes

Examples of wish list in a Sentence

That book is on my wish list.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Gift cards for classroom supplies and coffee shops rank at the top of teachers’ wish lists. — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 6 Aug. 2026 Creatives can check a large item off their wish list for heavy-duty photo and video editing, plus other learners will enjoy plenty of space for data analysis, coding, and other multitasking projects. — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 5 Aug. 2026 The State Election Board drew national attention ahead of the 2024 presidential election for passing a slate of sweeping rules that read like a wish list of election skeptics. — Tamar Hallerman, AJC.com, 3 Aug. 2026 That framework remains more of a wish list, contingent on future funding. — Evgenia Anastasakos, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wish list

Word History

First Known Use

1970, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wish list was in 1970

Rhymes for wish list

See All Rhymes for wish list

Browse Nearby Words

wishing well
wish list
wishly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wish list.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wish%20list. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

wish list

noun
: a list of desired but often realistically unobtainable items
a wish list of equipment for the school
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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