short list

noun

Updated on: 10 Apr 2018

Definition of short list

: a limited list of important items or individuals; especially : a list of candidates for final consideration (as for a position or a prize)

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short-list

play \ˈshȯrt-ˌlist\ transitive verb

See short list defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of short list from the Web

After going through the home, note whether this house makes the short list: yes, no, or maybe.

— melissa rolland, courant.com, "Happy House Hunting!," 3 Apr. 2018
King, a career insider who was deputy superintendent at the time of the last search, was not on everyone's short lists before she was named in January 2016.

— howard blume, latimes.com, "So who could be the next Los Angeles schools superintendent?," 2 Apr. 2018
ICM Partners have begun preparing a transition plan while Yim and Iser finalize discussions with a short list of agencies that reportedly includes CAA, Paradigm and UTA.

— dave brooks, Billboard, "Hip-Hop Agents Caroline Yim and Zach Iser Exit ICM Partners," 26 Mar. 2018
Prospect Eric Skoglund would certainly be on the short list if the need for a spot starter were to arise this season because of an injury.

— maria torres, kansascity, "Royals improve roster depth by taking a chance on pitcher Clay Buchholz | The Kansas City Star," 20 Mar. 2018
With a short list that includes most of the nation's elite programs, Nicholas Petit-Frere is in high demand ahead of signing day.

— chris johnson, SI.com, "Get to Know Nicholas Petit-Frere, the Nation's Highest-Rated Five-Star O-Lineman," 26 Jan. 2018
See who made the Academy's short list for actress and actor in a leading role.

— erin jensen, USA TODAY, "Oscars host Jimmy Kimmel, his late night cohorts talk this year's Academy Awards nominees," 24 Jan. 2018
As nearly every breathing South Floridian should know by now, Miami made the short list of 20 cities (down from an original 238 applicants) vying for the second headquarters for e-retail giant Amazon.

— jane wooldridge, miamiherald, "Miami 79, Chicago 81 in Amazon HQ2 sweepstakes. You can vote, too! | Miami Herald," 13 Mar. 2018
Asking the question: 'Shining moments: Who's Got Next?', Ayton is on the magazine's 'short list' of players who could bust out this year.

— azcentral, "Arizona Wildcats' Deandre Ayton graces cover of Sports Illustrated's NCAA Tournament preview issue," 7 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'short list.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of short list

1927

SHORT LIST Defined for English Language Learners

short list

noun

Definition of short list for English Language Learners

: a list of a small number of people or things that have been selected from a larger group and are being considered to receive an award, to get a job, etc.