roster

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

A 'list' is the most general word — any series of names, items, or numbers written one after another. A 'roster' is a specific type of list focused on people and their assigned duties. A 'register' implies an official, formal record kept for legal or administrative reasons, such as a register of births or a class attendance register. 'Roll' is used mainly in military and school settings, especially in the phrase 'roll call'. A 'directory' is a reference list of names and contact details, like a phone directory. For example, a company keeps a 'staff roster' showing who works each shift, while a 'staff register' would be a record of who is employed, and a 'staff directory' would list everyone's phone numbers and email addresses.

Common collocations

Etymology

The word 'roster' entered English in the early 18th century from Dutch 'rooster', which literally meant 'gridiron' — a metal frame used for roasting food. The Dutch word was used for a list or schedule because the lines of such a list resembled the parallel bars of a gridiron. It was first used in military contexts for duty lists that assigned soldiers to their tasks.