Same sound, different use
cue vs queue
Same sound, different meaning and spelling
A cue is a signal, prompt, or billiards stick. A queue is a line of people or items waiting to be processed. Both sound like the letter Q.
Context decides
Choose a signal or a waiting line
The four silent letters in queue form a memorable visual line behind Q.
Signal or prompt: cue
Use cue for something that triggers an action, supplies a hint, or guides a performer.
The lights are your cue to begin.
Waiting line: queue
Use queue for people, messages, jobs, or other items waiting in order.
Your request has entered the processing queue.
Direct answer
What is the difference?
Use cue for a signal to begin, a reminder, a hint, or the stick used in cue sports. Use queue for an ordered waiting line, whether people are standing physically or tasks are waiting in a computer system. Queue can also be a verb meaning join or arrange in that line.
Optional listening · American English
Hear the shared pronunciation
These terms share a standard pronunciation. Use the recordings to learn the sound, then use meaning and context to choose the spelling.
Word 1
cue
noun or verb
A signal, prompt, hint, or billiards stick; to give a signal.
US pronunciation
/kjuː/
UK IPA
/kjuː/
Hear three samples
How to pronounce it
Begin with K, glide quickly through Y, and hold the long OO vowel. It sounds like the letter Q.
Word 2
queue
noun or verb
An ordered line of people or items waiting; to join or form such a line.
US pronunciation
/kjuː/
UK IPA
/kjuː/
Hear three samples
How to pronounce it
Only the initial Q contributes to the sound. Say one syllable exactly like cue.
Listen in context
6 example sentences
Context makes meaning, grammar, and natural rhythm easier to understand. Every sentence has its own playback.
Examples with
cue
- Wait for my cue before opening the curtain.
- The host cued the music at exactly noon.
- Her pause was a cue for us to leave.
Examples with
queue
- We joined the queue outside the theater.
- Three documents remain in the print queue.
- Passengers began to queue near the gate.