selection

noun

se·​lec·​tion sə-ˈlek-shən How to pronounce selection (audio)
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
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
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 biggest issue many will have will be Guardiola’s selection. Sam Lee, New York Times, 18 May 2025 One year later, Crow-Armstrong looks like a certain All-Star selection and is the talk of the town. Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2025 Earlier this week, the Mavericks — who finished with a play-in tournament berth and a 39-43 record, but fell short of the playoffs proper — jumped up in the draft lottery to secure the rights to the No. 1 selection in next month's 2025 NBA Draft. Alex Kirschenbaum, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 May 2025 Wayfair Patio Furniture Deals Wayfair has a huge selection of outdoor furniture and just added thousands of new patio seating options to help get your space summer-ready. Toni Sutton, People.com, 17 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for selection

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1623, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of selection was circa 1623

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Selection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/selection. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

selection

noun
se·​lec·​tion sə-ˈlek-shən How to pronounce selection (audio)
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 How to pronounce selection (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on selection

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