setlist

noun

set·list ˈset-ˌlist

plural setlists

: the planned components of a performance

especially : the songs chosen to be performed by a musical artist at a concert

The Glaswegian singer was in the finest of voices as he ran through a 16-song setlist for fans … —Kirsty Bosley

: a written list of the components of a performance and especially of the songs performed by a musical artist

Most bands don't release their setlist ahead of their performances, as that takes away part of the excitement.—Rachael Davies

Examples of setlist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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Even in the face of all that pressure, the shows — which debuted the tour’s four revolving setlists — were wildly successful, with tributes to Peart helping one of rock’s most cerebral bands hit new heights of emotional impact. — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 23 Aug. 2026 In all, the star would devote a baker’s dozen of tunes on the 32-song setlist to this upbeat tropical music gem, which incorporates reggaeton, Latin pop, cumbia, salsa, vallenato and more. — Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 22 Aug. 2026 The concert marked Phish’s 92nd performance at the famed arena, and the quartet celebrated by performing a setlist made up entirely of songs from its 1992 repertoire. — Jonathan Cohen, SPIN, 23 July 2026 It’s praised by critics as one of their best albums and has earned regular spots on their setlists ever since. — Sam Goldner, Pitchfork, 19 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for setlist

Word History

Etymology

set entry 2 (sense 19) + list entry 1

First Known Use

1935, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of setlist was in 1935

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

setline

setlist

set mark

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Setlist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/setlist. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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setlist

noun

Examples of setlist in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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