preference

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noun pref·er·ence \ˈpre-fərn(t)s, ˈpre-f(ə-)rən(t)s\

Definition of preference

1a : the act of preferring : the state of being preferredb : the power or opportunity of choosing
2 : one that is preferred
3 : the act, fact, or principle of giving advantages to some over others
4 : priority in the right to demand and receive satisfaction of an obligation
5 : orientation 2b sexual preference

See preference defined for English-language learners

See preference defined for kids

Examples of preference in a Sentence

Car buyers have recently shown a growing preference for smaller vehicles.
When it comes to music, everyone has their own preferences.
Some people like small cars and some people like big cars. It's a matter of personal preference.
She listed her favorite restaurants in order of preference.
He has tried not to show preference in giving out jobs.
The policy of the school is to give preference to minority candidates.
“We could go to an Italian or Chinese restaurant tonight. What's your preference?” “Either one is fine. I don't have a preference.”

Recent Examples of preference from the Web

And preference goes to animals that are already social-media stars.

— zach wichter, The Seattle Times, "Your dog works as a model? Don’t quit your day job.", 3 July 2017
The desk of the future is sit-or-stand, and outfitted with sensors that learn your habits and preferences through constant vigilance.

— Bloomberg.com, "Your Evening Briefing", 28 June 2017
Choose your indulgence preference to shake off the heat and you'll be chilled out in no time.

— julia sayers, AL.com, "7 milkshakes you need to try this summer", 26 June 2017
My preference, frankly, would be to scuttle this entire season and maybe try again next summer with an entirely new cast.

— ali barthwell, The Cut, "Will You Watch Bachelor in Paradise This Season?", 23 June 2017
These preferences weren’t confined to music, either.

— The Hive, "Why Hollywood as We Know It Is Already Over", 19 June 2017
Mandel uses them to gauge flavor preference among his patients.

— rene chun, Los Angeles Magazine, "Inside the Los Angeles Clinic That Uses Ketamine to Treat Depression", 19 June 2017
ENCINITAS The Encinitas City Council met Wednesday to review designs for the San Elijo Lagoon Double Track Project retaining wall, and approved the arts commission’s design preferences.

— laura groch, sandiegouniontribune.com, "How they voted, June 11", 11 June 2017
That has triggered lots of speculation about which teams will play in Arlington for the title on Dec. 1 or Dec. 2, depending on the preference of the TV network handling the telecast.

— jimmy burch, star-telegram.com, "Surprise team projected in Big 12 title game matchup", 9 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'preference'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of preference

Middle English preferraunce, from Middle French preferance, from Medieval Latin praeferentia, from Latin praeferent-, praeferens, present participle of praeferre

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First Known Use: 1673

See Words from the same year

Synonym Discussion of preference

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

PREFERENCE Defined for English Language Learners

preference

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noun

Definition of preference for English Language Learners

: a feeling of liking or wanting one person or thing more than another person or thing
: an advantage that is given to some people or things and not to others
: something that is liked or wanted more than another thing : something that is preferred

PREFERENCE Defined for Kids

preference

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noun pref·er·ence \ˈpre-fə-rəns, ˈpref-rəns\

Definition of preference for Students

1 : a choosing of or special liking for one person or thing rather than another or others Buyers are showing a preference for small cars.
2 : the power or chance to choose : choice I gave him his preference.
3 : a person or thing that is liked or wanted more than another My preference is to travel by train.

Law Dictionary

preference

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noun pref·er·ence \ˈpre-frəns, -fə-rəns\

Legal Definition of preference

1 : the right to prior payment of a debt with preference over the creditors of the heirs or legatees — Louisiana Civil Code
2 : the transfer of an insolvent debtor's interest in property to a creditor for an earlier debt that gives the creditor more than the creditor would otherwise receive (as under a bankruptcy settlement) —called also voidable preference — compare antecedent debt at debt, fraudulent conveyance, general assignment at assignment Editor's note: Preferences can be voided by a bankruptcy trustee because they diminish the bankruptcy estate out of which other creditors will be paid. Preferences must be made during a period (as 90 days before the date of filing a bankruptcy petition) established by bankruptcy law in order to be voidable. Perfection or grant of a security interest during this period is also a preference. The bankruptcy law states exceptions under which payments to creditors are not voidable preferences.
3 : priority