selection

noun

se·​lec·​tion sə-ˈlek-shən How to pronounce selection (audio)
1
: the act or process of selecting : the state of being selected
2
: one that is selected : choice
also : a collection of selected things
3
: a natural or artificial process that results or tends to result in the survival and propagation of some individuals or organisms but not of others with the result that the inherited traits of the survivors are perpetuated compare darwinism, natural selection
Choose the Right Synonym for selection

choice, option, alternative, preference, selection, election mean the act or opportunity of choosing or the thing chosen.

choice suggests the opportunity or privilege of choosing freely.

freedom of choice

option implies a power to choose that is specifically granted or guaranteed.

the option of paying now or later

alternative implies a need to choose one and reject another possibility.

equally attractive alternatives

preference suggests a choice guided by one's judgment or predilections.

a preference for cool weather

selection implies a range of choice.

a varied selection of furniture

election implies an end or purpose which requires exercise of judgment.

doing a tax return forces certain elections on you

Examples of selection in a Sentence

The selection of the best poem was difficult. his selection of a running mate was a long, tedious affair
Recent Examples on the Web With little basis of comparison east of the Mississippi, the selection committee likely defaulted to the conference’s dismal record in the NCAA Tournament. Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Mar. 2024 Details about the application and selection process for the youth-serving nonprofits will be released closer to the June 6 grand opening, a news release said. Detroit Free Press, 19 Mar. 2024 Roger Daltrey is coming to America in June for a rare solo tour that will feature an onstage Q&A with audience members, Who hits and deep cuts, and selections from his solo career. Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 19 Mar. 2024 What's on the menu at Devil's Hideaway The bar offers five house cocktails plus Jell-O shots, cider and hard kombucha, wines by the glass and a selection of American and European beers. The Arizona Republic, 18 Mar. 2024 Despite being ranked fourth in the AP Top 25 and the NET, the NCAA selection committee’s primary sorting tool for evaluating teams, Stanford received a No. 2 seed in the Portland Region. Harold Gutmann, The Mercury News, 17 Mar. 2024 Material The selections on our best small accent chairs list run the gamut of color, material, and texture, so there’s something for everyone’s taste. L. Daniela Alvarez, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Mar. 2024 The soundtrack includes selections from Grammy-winning artist Arooj Aftab, multidisciplinary artist Iury Lech, vocalist and producer Holland Andrews, Time Wharp and sqip. Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 7 Mar. 2024 The first came in August, when he was given the chance to face a new penalty phase trial after his death penalty sentence was overturned by the California Supreme Court, which cited jury selection errors by the trial judge. Christine Pelisek, Peoplemag, 6 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'selection.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1623, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of selection was circa 1623

Dictionary Entries Near selection

Cite this Entry

“Selection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/selection. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

selection

noun
se·​lec·​tion sə-ˈlek-shən How to pronounce selection (audio)
1
: the act of selecting : the state of being selected
selection of the best poem was difficult
cheered my selection as athlete of the year
2
a
: one that is selected : choice
b
: a collection of selected things
3
: any natural or artificial process that tends to favor the survival and reproduction of some individuals but not of others with the result that only the inherited characteristics of the favored individuals continue to be passed on

Medical Definition

selection

noun
se·​lec·​tion sə-ˈlek-shən How to pronounce selection (audio)
: a natural or artificial process that results or tends to result in the survival and propagation of some individuals or organisms but not of others with the result that the inherited traits of the survivors are perpetuated compare darwinism, natural selection

More from Merriam-Webster on selection

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