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

• choice
• choosing
• election
• picking
• selecting

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

Example Sentences

The selection of the best poem was difficult.

his selection of a running mate was a long, tedious affair

Recent Examples on the Web

This was an ecumenical and interfaith prayer service with a very specific mission, organized to support Ridley-Thomas two days before jury selection was scheduled to begin in his federal corruption trial. —Matt Hamilton, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2023

Prosecutor Creighton Waters asks for a juror to be seated as jury selection nears completion for Alex Murdaugh's murder trial at the Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro, South Carolina, on Jan. 25, 2023. —Elizabeth Campbell, CBS News, 3 Mar. 2023

Buster has appeared at his father's trial every day with his girlfriend, Brooklynn White, since jury selection began Jan. 25. —Fox News, 25 Feb. 2023

The judge has scheduled jury selection to begin in mid-April. —Katie Robertson, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2023

The prosecution and defense gave the judge questionnaires to be sent to potential jurors before jury selection. —Ashley Remkus | [e-mail], al, 16 Feb. 2023

Jury selection is currently set to start on April 11. Feb. 16, 6:15 pm. —Winston Cho, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Feb. 2023

Jury selection started Thursday morning for Mauricio Torres' third capital murder trial. —Tracy Neal, Arkansas Online, 2 Feb. 2023

In fact, the menu opens with a selection of raw and chilled goodies, including crab and caviar and playfully plated tuna and oyster dishes that showcase this celebrity chef’s penchant for molecular gastronomy. —Amy Drew Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 24 Feb. 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

circa 1623, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing selection

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

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

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