short list

noun

: a limited list of important items or individuals

especially : a list of candidates for final consideration (as for a position or a prize)

short-list

ˈshȯrt-ˌlist 

transitive verb

Examples of short list in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The menu sports a short list of slightly twisted classics—a martini made with junmai daiginjo sake, a gimlet with ginger-lime cordial, a white negroni sbagliato. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026

Anyone caught by the Death Parade will be on the short list for that night’s murder. — Alice Burton, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026

Now Guidry would like to see Schlittler join him on the short list of Yankees pitchers who have won the award. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 24 Sep. 2026

Greg Harvey of Opta Stats said Walker, who signed as a free agent during the offseason, is on a very short list thanks to his first two games with the Chiefs. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 21 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for short list

• assist
• blacklist
• booklist
• checklist
• consist
• desist
• dismissed
• enlist
• exist
• insist
• oocyst
• persist