Definition of laundry list

The term "laundry list" refers to a long and detailed list of items, typically household necessities or tasks that need to be done. The origins of this expression can be traced back to the 19th century, when laundering clothes was a labor-intensive chore that required a great deal of care and attention. In those days, women would collect soiled clothing from their families, sort it into piles based on color, and then proceed to wash, rinse, and wring each item out. This process involved multiple steps, including scrubbing with a washboard, rinsing in a tub, and hanging the clothes out to dry. Once everything was clean, women would iron the clothes using a hot iron and a press, resulting in a pristine final product. As the number of items to be laundered grew, women began to write down these items on a "laundry list," which served as a handy reference for remembering all that needed to be done. The phrase "laundry list" soon came to describe any comprehensive list of tasks or items, no matter the context. Today, the term "laundry list" is commonly used to describe a plethora of things that need to be accomplished, from grocery shopping to project deadlines. Whether you are washing clothes or completing tasks, a laundry list can help ensure everything gets done efficiently and effectively.