Ask Difference

Roster Definition and Meaning

By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Published on October 6, 2025
Roster refers to a list or plan showing the duties and times for individuals or groups to perform specific tasks. e.g., The weekly cleaning roster is posted in the staff room.
Roster
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Roster Definitions

A list of names showing who is assigned to particular duties or shifts.
The manager checked the roster to see who was working that weekend.
A chart or list showing the names and roles of participants in an event.
The debate roster listed all participants and their topics.
A list or register of people available for duty.
The fire department maintains a detailed roster for emergency responses.
A systematic plan showing the sequence of activities or duties.
The conference roster included times for each speaker.
A schedule of duties assigned to members of a team or organization.
She added her name to the volunteer roster for the event.
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A list detailing the times and responsibilities for work shifts.
He glanced at the roster to find out his shift time.
A lineup or schedule of activities to be performed.
The festival roster was filled with exciting performances.
A list, especially of the names of players on a sports team or of the personnel in a military unit.
A list of individuals or groups, usually for an organization of some kind such as military officers and enlisted personnel enrolled in a particular unit; a muster roll; a sports team, with the names of players who are eligible to be placed in the lineup for a particular game; or a list of students officially enrolled in a school or class.
I'm number 12 on the roster for tonight's game.
A list of the jobs to be done by members of an organization and often with the date/time that they are expected to do them.
The secretary has produced a new cleaning roster for the Church over the remainder of the year.
A schedule or timetable setting out shift times and dates for each employee of a business.
(math) A bracketed list that shows the elements of a set.
(transitive) To place the name of (a person) on a roster.
I have rostered you for cleaning duties on the first Monday of each month.
To show the elements of a set by listing them inside brackets.
A register or roll showing the order in which officers, enlisted men, companies, or regiments are called on to serve.
A list of names;
His name was struck off the rolls
An official list or register of players eligible to play for a sports team.
The coach announced the season's roster during the meeting.
A record showing the rotation of duties among members of an organization.
The hospital roster is updated monthly to manage shifts.
A planned sequence of personnel on duty.
She checked the roster to determine when she was next on call.

Roster Snonyms

Register

An official list or record, especially of names.
She signed the register upon entering the event.

Schedule

A plan for carrying out activities or events at planned times.
The conference schedule was distributed a week prior.

List

A series of names or items written or printed typically in a meaningful grouping or sequence.
He added her name to the list of participants.

Lineup

A list of players participating in a game or event, often in sports.
The lineup for tonight's game includes the team's best players.

Timetable

A detailed plan showing when certain events or activities are to occur.
The school's timetable is strictly adhered to.

Docket

A list of cases in court for trial, or the names of the parties who have cases pending.
The court's docket is filled for the next three months.

Calendar

A system by which the beginning, length, and divisions of the year are fixed and can list scheduled events.
Check the team's calendar for available meeting times.

Agenda

A list of items to be discussed at a formal meeting.
The agenda for today's meeting includes a discussion on budget allocation.

Plan

A detailed proposal for achieving something.
They put together a comprehensive plan for the marketing campaign.

Catalog

A complete list of items, typically one in alphabetical or other systematic order.
The library's catalog includes all newly acquired books.

Roster Idioms & Phrases

Update the roster

To make changes or additions to a list of names or a schedule.
It's time to update the roster for the next quarter.

Expand the roster

To increase the number of individuals or entries in a list.
Due to increased demand, we had to expand the roster of services offered.

Top of the roster

Being first or among the first on a list or schedule.
Her performance placed her at the top of the roster.

Fill the roster

To add names or assignments until no openings are left.
We need to fill the roster by next week to meet staffing requirements.

Secure a spot on the roster

To earn a place in a group or team.
He worked hard to secure a spot on the varsity basketball roster.

On the roster

Scheduled or listed as part of a group.
She was excited to be on the roster for the upcoming tournament.

Clear the roster

To remove all names or assignments, usually in preparation for new ones.
At the end of the season, they clear the roster to start fresh.

Off the roster

Removed from a list of active participants or duties.
He was disappointed to be taken off the roster due to injury.

Roster rotation

A system where duties or responsibilities are regularly rotated among members.
The team uses a roster rotation to ensure everyone gets a chance to lead.

Bottom of the roster

Being last or among the last on a list or schedule.
New hires often start at the bottom of the roster.

Roster Example Sentences

Every player on the team's roster played at least once during the match.
The roster for the weekend shift was posted in the break room.
The event coordinator updated the roster to include several new speakers.
The festival's roster featured artists from over ten countries.
The company's training roster includes sessions on both software skills and communication.
She was thrilled to see her name on the roster of the debate team.
They had to rotate the cleaning roster due to changes in staff availability.
We need to expand the roster of available tutors for the upcoming semester.
As a new recruit, she was added to the patrol roster starting next month.
The volunteer roster was filled within hours of opening up the registration.
The workshop's roster was designed to cater to both beginners and advanced participants.
He checked the roster to see when his next appointment was scheduled.
The class roster indicates who is due to present next week.
The roster for emergency contacts was updated annually to ensure accuracy.
The project roster lists all team members and their specific roles.

Common Curiosities

How is roster used in a sentence?

Roster is typically used as a noun to refer to a list or schedule of duties, responsibilities, or participants.

What is the pronunciation of roster?

Roster is pronounced as /ˈrɑː.stər/.

What is the first form of roster?

The first form of "roster" as a verb is roster.

What is a stressed syllable in roster?

The stressed syllable in "roster" is the first syllable: ros-.

Why is it called roster?

The term "roster" comes from the Dutch word "rooster," meaning "grid" or "list," originally used to refer to a list of names or schedules organized in a grid-like fashion.

How do we divide roster into syllables?

Roster is divided into syllables as: ros-ter.

What is the verb form of roster?

Roster is primarily a noun, but "roster" can also be used as a verb, meaning to place on a roster. Forms include rosters, rostered, rostering.

What is another term for roster?

Another term for "roster" is "schedule."

What part of speech is roster?

Roster is a noun.

How many syllables are in roster?

Roster has two syllables.

What is the plural form of roster?

The plural form of "roster" is rosters.

Is roster an abstract noun?

No, roster is a concrete noun as it refers to a physical list or record.

Is roster a collective noun?

Yes, roster can be considered a collective noun as it refers to a collection of names or duties.

Which determiner is used with roster?

Common determiners used with "roster" include articles like "the" or possessive pronouns like "our."

What is the root word of roster?

The root word of "roster" is the Dutch "rooster," which means a list or grid.

What is the singular form of roster?

The singular form of "roster" is roster.

Is roster a vowel or consonant?

The word "roster" starts with a consonant.

Is the word roster imperative?

Roster as a noun is not used in the imperative mood, but as a verb, it can be used imperatively, e.g., "Roster the new volunteers."

What is the opposite of roster?

There isn't a direct opposite of "roster," but in context, it might be "unorganized list" or "unplanned."

Is roster an adverb?

No, roster is not an adverb.

Is roster a countable noun?

Yes, roster is a countable noun.

Which preposition is used with roster?

Common prepositions used with "roster" include "on," "in," and "from."

Is roster a noun or adjective?

Roster is a noun.

Is roster a negative or positive word?

Roster is a neutral word; it is neither inherently negative nor positive.

Is the word “roster” a Direct object or an Indirect object?

As a noun, "roster" can function as either a direct or indirect object depending on the sentence.

Which conjunction is used with roster?

Common conjunctions that might be used with "roster" depend on its context in a sentence but are not specifically linked to the word itself.

What is the second form of roster?

The second form of "roster" as a verb is rostered.

What is the third form of roster?

The third form of "roster" as a verb is rostered.

Is the roster term a metaphor?

The term "roster" itself is not typically used metaphorically.

Is the word roster Gerund?

Rostering is the gerund form of the verb roster.

Which vowel is used before roster?

Typically, "the" is used before "roster."

Which article is used with roster?

The definite article "the" is commonly used with "roster."

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj Arif
Urooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.

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