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
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.
Still, such coverage is selective, and opportunities are rare. Cynthia Salarizadeh, Rolling Stone, 10 Oct. 2025 In health care, an MOF can act like a selective sponge for specific breath molecules that indicate real, measurable diseases. Bohong Zhang, The Conversation, 10 Oct. 2025 Her entire career is built on the selective prosecution of one man! Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025 Those include claims that the prosecutor who secured the charges wasn't legitimately appointed, that the prosecution is selective and vindictive, that the grand jury process was abusive, and that the government has behaved outrageously. Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for selective

Word History

First Known Use

1625, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of selective was in 1625

Cite this Entry

“Selective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/selective. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

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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