selective

adjective

se·​lec·​tive sə-ˈlek-tiv How to pronounce selective (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or characterized by selection : selecting or tending to select
2
: highly specific in activity or effect
selective pesticides
selective absorption
selectively adverb
selectiveness noun
selectivity noun

Examples of selective in a Sentence

The club is selective in choosing members. The college has a highly selective admissions process.
Recent Examples on the Web This selective approach not only reduces stress but also boosts the potential for success in key projects. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2023 Tuning out the world can become selective avoidance. Morgan Mercer, Fortune, 28 Nov. 2023 Finally, more spectrally selective emitters, like the glass-bead design and the multilayer hafnia design described, cool to much lower temperatures than black paint on aluminum, and therefore increase the power density. Sid Assawaworrarit, IEEE Spectrum, 25 Nov. 2023 The aircrew was able to locate the two people and their dog because their sailboat instantly sent out a digital selective calling (DSC) alert, which notified the Coast Guard of their position, according to said Lt. j.g. Bailey Richards, Peoplemag, 20 Nov. 2023 In addition to the NFL being selective in its reporting, there’s a lot of evidence that the players are as well. James M. Smoliga, Dvm, Ars Technica, 10 Nov. 2023 The gene gives them a selective advantage in places like Africa, where malaria is rampant. Gina Kolata, New York Times, 15 Nov. 2023 For more selective programs, where the line between acceptance and rejection is fine, the subjective nature of human evaluation is irreplaceable. Dr. Aviva Legatt, Forbes, 13 Nov. 2023 Cancellations have grown more commonplace as streamers get more selective. Jake Coyle, Fortune, 10 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'selective.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1625, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of selective was in 1625

Dictionary Entries Near selective

Cite this Entry

“Selective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/selective. Accessed 2 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

selective

adjective
se·​lec·​tive sə-ˈlek-tiv How to pronounce selective (audio)
: of or relating to selection : selecting or tending to select
selective shoppers

Medical Definition

selective

adjective
se·​lec·​tive sə-ˈlek-tiv How to pronounce selective (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or characterized by selection : selecting or tending to select
2
: highly specific in activity or effect
selective pesticides
selective permeability of a plasma membrane
selectively adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on selective

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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