roster

noun

ros·​ter ˈrä-stər How to pronounce roster (audio)
also ˈrȯ-
or ˈrō-
Synonyms of roster
1
a
: a roll or list of personnel
b
: such a list giving the order in which a duty is to be performed
a duty roster
c
: the persons listed on a roster
2
: an itemized list

Synonyms of roster

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Examples of roster in a Sentence

His name has been added to the team roster. The team has a roster of 40 players.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Panthers ultimately emerged from Lincoln Financial Field with a 25-14 win over the Eagles — thanks to Tyus’ brilliance, an impressive season debut from right tackle Taylor Moton and excellence elsewhere across the roster. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 18 Oct. 2026 Though apparently diminishing his own roster is part of the team's motivational playbook. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026 That means the investment being made into the roster’s youngsters needs to bear fruit at some point in the final 12 games, producing a win. — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 18 Oct. 2026 Balanchine yielded to headwinds which, apparently, persist (about 10% of NYCB’s current roster is Black). — Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for roster

Word History

Etymology

Dutch rooster, literally, gridiron; from the parallel lines

First Known Use

1727, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of roster was in 1727

Rhymes for roster

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Browse Nearby Words

rostellum
roster
rösti
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Cite this Entry

“Roster.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/roster. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

roster

noun
ros·​ter ˈräs-tər How to pronounce roster (audio)
: a list usually of people belonging to some group
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