A roll is a list of names of members of some defined group often used to ascertain their presence or absence: a class roll. A schedule is a methodical (especially official) list, often indicating the time or sequence of certain events: a train schedule. History and Etymology for list. Noun (1) and Verb (1) French liste, from Italian lista, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German līsta edge . Noun (2) and Verb (2) origin unknown . Noun (3) and Verb (3) Middle English, from Old English līste; akin to Old High German līsta edge, Albanian leth. Verb (4) The List offers the best advice and tips on style, beauty, food, relationships, fitness and more. Here's how dirty your cell phone really is. Health / Hope Ngo. The important part of hand washing you're probably skipping. Health / Kate Hagan Gallup. The truth about working out during the coronavirus outbreak.