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A-list

A-list

15 5.7
Small group of the most famous or important people in an area, for example film and fashion
  • noun
  • /ˈeɪˌlɪst/
translation icon : lista A
  • Now, don't ask me how, but I pulled some strings, and I managed to get you both on the A-list, so don't wuss out.
  • A-list actors
  • A-list star
  • A-list celebrities

Examples

  • But when it comes to trying to snare A-list directors, they might want to rethink their approach.

    Blog text (4)
  • Bruce Edwin is the CEO of the A-list firm Starpower Management LLC, publisher of The Hollywood Sentinel, and motion picture producer.

    Blog text (29)
  • When you go after an A-list designer, sure, expect to drop serious dough.

    Blog text (27)
  • What made me different was I was the first half-Asian to become an A-list star in the business.

  • The way to the A-list was to be a top student or a top athlete, preferably both.

    Blog text (27)
  • What I don't understand is why anyone below the A-list buys into this nonsense.

    Blog text (23)
  • Here are 10 tips for making sure you're on the boss's A-list:

    Blog text (8)
  • They've got their endowment, I'm happy to be a contributor, and they can keep me on the A-list.

    Fiction book (1995)
  • The actors tied the knot during a sunset ceremony in Malibu, in front of A-list attendees like Cox, Cameron Diaz, 40, and Salma Hayek, 46.

    Blog text (25)
  • Many famous directors only hire A-list actors for their films.

Synonyms

big name
vsA-list
43 3.5

A famous and important person or group in one area

refers to the top group of such people rather than one person
the great and the good
vsA-list
  • Literature
1 7.5

People in society who are important, respected, and have power

focuses on people admired for popularity rather than for moral authority
clout list
vsA-list
  • Jargon
7.6

A list of people who have a lot of influence

highlights popular and admired leading people rather than just influence

How Famous

A-list
15 5.7
famous
1.0
well-known
253 1.0
known
2 1.0
little-known
34 7.3
unknown
629 2.3

Surface Forms

A-list singular
A-lists plural

Morphology

A-list = A + list (transparent) = A + list

Combines the letter 'A' (meaning top grade/quality) with 'list' to denote a list of top people, which is directly inferable by learners.

Etymology

A-list comes from the idea of being at the top of a list. The A- part is like the grade 'A' for the 'best' and list means a 'group of names', so someone on the A-list is one of the most important or popular people.