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 transitive verb

Examples of short list in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The third firm on Amtrak’s short list — Penn Forward Now, funded by investment manager Fengate — is a mystery. Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 22 Jan. 2026 Stewart and Collier have been MVPs in the WNBA, fought each other for championships, won Olympic gold medals together, and any short list of great players in the world at the moment would include them. Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 15 Jan. 2026 If there were an award for rap’s most valuable player in 2025, YK Niece would make the short list. Deasia Paige, AJC.com, 14 Jan. 2026 Penske owns the audio analytics firm, Luminate, that compiled a short list of podcast nominees. Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for short list

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of short list was in 1927

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Short list.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/short%20list. Accessed 27 Jan. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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