Queue vs. Cue: Line or Signal?

The Distinction

• Queue = a line of people or things waiting; to line up
• Cue = a signal to begin; a hint; a pool stick

Using Queue

“Queue” refers to waiting lines:

As a noun:

• “There’s a long queue at the box office.” ✓
• “The print job is in the queue.” ✓
• “Join the queue and wait your turn.” ✓

As a verb:

• “Queue up the next song.” ✓
• “Customers queued for hours.” ✓

Note: “Queue” is more common in British English; Americans often say “line.”

Using Cue

“Cue” refers to signals or prompts:

As a signal:

• “That’s your cue to enter.” ✓
• “Take your cue from the director.” ✓
• “Right on cue, the phone rang.” ✓

As a pool stick:

• “He chalked his cue before the shot.” ✓

As a verb:

• “Cue the music.” ✓
• “She cued the next speaker.” ✓

Memory Trick

• Queue = has “ue” waiting at the end (like people waiting in line)
• Cue = short and quick, like a signal

Common Error

• “That’s my queue to leave.” ✗ → “That’s my cue to leave.” ✓