selection

noun

se·​lec·​tion sə-ˈlek-shən 

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

Synonyms

• choice
• choosing
• election
• picking
• selecting

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

Now, as The Crimson reports, the selection of her permanent successor is being driven in no small measure by worries on its board about Trump’s return to power. —Philip Elliott, TIME, 12 Apr. 2024

Trump trial Jury selection begins Monday in former President Donald Trump’s criminal hush money trial. —Alexandra Banner, CNN, 12 Apr. 2024

Cannes festival president Iris Knobloch and artistic director Thierry Frémaux presented the official selection for the 77th Cannes Film Festival at a press conference in Paris on Thursday. —Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Apr. 2024

In October 1995, after 11 months from jury selection to verdict, Simpson was acquitted in a trial that was televised daily and became an international sensation. —Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2024

Contemporary selections such as Boafo and White Hawk emphasize and sometimes upend ideas in the collection. —Kriston Capps, Washington Post, 10 Apr. 2024

Despite his historic selection, Dwight was not ultimately chosen for the NASA Astronaut Corps, missing out on the opportunity to fly to space. —Melissa Noel, Essence, 10 Apr. 2024

Texas receiver Xavier Worthy Pro Football Focus’ mock draft simulator keeps track of reader selections, and an overwhelming 31% of respondents have Worthy landing with the Chiefs. —Jesse Newell, Kansas City Star, 10 Apr. 2024

The full Cannes selection is set to be revealed on Thursday. —Katcy Stephan, Variety, 9 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1623, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing selection

• sexual selection
• natural selection
• self-selection bias
• make a/one's selection
• kin selection
• artificial selection

Kids Definition

selection

noun

se·​lec·​tion sə-ˈlek-shən 

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 

: 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