Docket

/ˈdɑːkɪt/

nounverbB2

Definition

A docket is a written list or record that shows cases, appointments, or tasks arranged in order. In courts, it shows the schedule of cases to be heard. In business, it can be a list of things to do or items to process. When used as a verb, it means to put something on this official list or schedule.

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⚡ See It in Action

Noun: An official list or record of cases, tasks, or items

  • The court clerk checked the docket to see which case was next.
  • The delivery company kept a docket of all packages to be sent.
  • She reviewed the docket before the meeting started.

Verb: To officially record or schedule something on a docket

  • The judge docketed the new case for hearing next week.
  • The office docketed all incoming requests to keep track.

🧲 Make It Stick

  • Think of 'docket' like 'list,' but a special official list used in courts or offices
  • Picture a big board or paper with names and dates showing what will happen next
  • It's the feeling when you check your daily to-do list but for legal or official matters
  • Sounds like 'rocket' but starts with 'dock' → imagine a rocket docked with a schedule ready to launch tasks
  • Imagine a courtroom where the judge looks at the docket to see which cases come first
  • NOT like 'calendar' (which shows days and months), a docket is specifically for tasks or cases in order
  • NOT like 'agenda' (which can be informal), a docket is official and used by organizations or courts
  • As a verb, NOT like 'write' anything random; 'docket' means to officially record or schedule in a formal list

🔄 Try Other Words

  • Schedule: a plan of when things will happen (Use when focusing on time order rather than the official record)
  • Agenda: a list of topics or tasks for a meeting (Use when referring to informal or meeting-specific lists)
  • Register: an official record or book (Use when emphasizing official recording rather than order or scheduling)

🔍 Unboxing

  • Word parts: (No clear prefix or suffix; 'docket' is a whole word)
  • Etymology: From Old French 'doquet,' meaning a small book or list
  • Historical development: Originally meant a small note or document; later used in law for lists of cases
  • Modern usage: Common in legal, business, and administrative contexts as official lists or to record items officially

💭 Reflect & Connect

How does having a docket help organize busy work or court cases effectively?
Can you think of situations in your life where keeping a docket-like list would help you stay organized?

Fill in the blanks with the correct word:

1.The judge checked the docket to ___ which case was scheduled for today.
2.When a new case arrives, the court clerk must ___ it on the docket quickly.
3.Unlike a casual to-do list, a docket is an ___ record used by officials.
4.The delivery driver reviewed the docket to ensure all packages were ___.
5.If an item is not ___ on the docket, it might be forgotten or delayed.
6.Offices often ___ requests on a docket to keep track of their progress.
7.The court’s docket showed that several cases were ___ for next week.