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

In his op-ed reflecting on the texts, the secretary takes to task the Westminster establishment that allowed Mandelson’s selection, but also waxes philosophical about sexism, diversity, and inclusion. —Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 10 Feb. 2026

Health officials are working to secure more agreements with pharmaceutical companies to expand the selection of prescription drugs on the platform. —Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026

Jury selection also underscored how widely the impacts of social media — both good and bad — are felt among disparate groups of people. —Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 9 Feb. 2026

And on Wednesday nights — dubbed Wine Wednesday by Greekman’s, which has an excellent selection of Greek wines — all bottles are discounted by 50%. —Laurie Ochoa, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 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