select

verb

selected; selecting; selects

transitive verb

: to choose (as by fitness or excellence) from a number or group : pick out

intransitive verb

: to make a choice

Synonyms of select

• choose
• pick

Examples of select in a Sentence

Please select one item from the list.

The school will only select 12 applicants for enrollment.

Knowing the importance of making the right choice, he selected carefully.

Select “Insert” from the “Edit” menu.

Recent Examples on the Web

After the senate endorsement, delegates soldiered on to select Nate George as their preferred candidate for state auditor. —Jay Gabler, Twin Cities, 30 May 2026

It was put to McCullum that Sussex assistant coach Grant Flower questioned the readiness of Robinson to play in the first Test in a podcast before England selected him. —Paul Newman, New York Times, 29 May 2026

All products featured on Vogue are independently selected by our editors. —Laura Tortora, Vogue, 29 May 2026

All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. —Jenifer Calle, Glamour, 29 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1566, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Phrases Containing select

• self-select

Rhymes for select

• affect
• aspect
• bedecked
• bisect
• collect
• connect
• correct
• deflect
• detect
• direct
• dissect
• effect

Kids Definition

select

1 of 2 verb

se·​lect sə-ˈlekt 

1

: to pick out from a number or group : choose

2

: to choose (a particular action or a section of text on a computer screen) especially using a mouse

select

2 of 2 adjective

1

: chosen from a number or group to include the best or most suitable individuals

invited only a few select employees

2

: of special value or excellence : superior, choice

a select hotel

Medical Definition

select

intransitive verb

se·​lect sə-ˈlekt 

: to cause a specified gene, trait, or organism to become more frequent or less frequent

—usually used with for or against

animal breeders need to select simultaneously for improved conformity to breed characteristics and against defective genes causing disease