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 of selection

• choice
• election

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

During the warmer months, guests can sit on the patio and order drinks from the wide selection of beers, too. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 May 2026

The Pink Opaque, the 1986 compilation that was positioned as America’s introduction to the Cocteau Twins, is a more digestible selection of EP tracks and album cuts, but Lullabies to Violaine is worth diving into as a richly varied corner of the band’s discography. —Al Shipley, SPIN, 12 May 2026

Behind two-time Pro Bowl selection Jaycee Horn and veteran Mike Jackson are the likes of Chau Smith-Wade, Corey Thornton, Akayleb Evans, Robert Rochell and fourth-round pick Will Lee. —Charlotte Observer, 12 May 2026

The Heat would be able to use its first-round selection in this year’s draft to make a pick for the Bucks, and could also include its 2030 and 2032 first-round picks as part of the trade package for Antetokounmpo. —Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 12 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing selection

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

Rhymes for selection

• abjection
• advection
• affection
• bijection
• bisection
• collection
• complexion
• confection
• connection
• connexion
• convection
• correction

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