A-list

plural A-lists · alternative A list

1. The first of a number of lists, especially lists arranged in order of importance or preference.
2. An informal list of people (especially in the entertainment industry, or professionally or socially prominent) who are the most admired or desirable, or likely to bring success.

   The film [Pretty Woman] grossed $464 million worldwide, ensconcing her [Julia Roberts] in the Hollywood A-list.

   2014 January 21, Hermione Hoby, “Julia Roberts interview for August: Osage County – ‘I might actually go to hell for this…’”, in The Daily Telegraph, London: Telegraph Media Group, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 07 Oct 2024, Review section

   Antonyms: Z-list

alternative A list

1. not comparableOf or relating, or belonging, to an A-list (noun sense 2).

   Before his [Rock Hudson's] Aids diagnosis, he had been so many other things: A-list hunk, suave romcom star and all-round Mr America.

   2023 October 6, Ryan Gilbey, “The double life of Rock Hudson: ‘Let’s be frank, he was a horndog!’”, in Katharine Viner, editor, The Guardian, London: Guardian News & Media, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 18 Jan 2025

   1 more example

   By the 1980s, there was still huge appeal for what became known as 'shiny-floor' talent shows, especially during weekend primetime. In the US, Star Search ran for 12 years in its original run, from 1983 to 1995, and as searches went, it did genuinely uncover some A-list talent, including Destiny's Child, Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Alanis Morrisette and LeAnn Rimes.

   2021 September 15, Laura Martin, “How Talent Shows Became TV’s Most Bizarre Programmes”, in BBC Online, archived from the original on 18 Apr 2023

   Antonyms: Z-list

2. broadlynot comparableBest of a group; first-class, pre-eminent, top.

   DirectX 10 promises an almost obscene step up in the level of eye candy you can expect from an A-list game, which is the great news. The bad news is, you'll need a new videocard to get those gorgeous graphics.

   2007 winter, Steve Klett, “Release Notes: The Winds of Change”, in Steve Klett, editor, Maximum PC, San Francisco, Calif.: Future US, →ISSN, →OCLC, page 3, column 1

   Synonyms: best of the best, top-class