short list

noun

: a limited list of important items or individuals

especially : a list of candidates for final consideration (as for a position or a prize)

short-list

ˈshȯrt-ˌlist 

transitive verb

Examples of short list in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Both parties are expected to pour hundreds of millions of dollars into a relatively short list of races over the next three months. — Fin Daniel Gómez, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026

Alexandra Shytsman, cookbook author and founder of The New Baguette, includes it on her short list of go-to generic buys. — Bridget Shirvell, Martha Stewart, 1 Aug. 2026

Values and readiness need to be translated into a short list of design rules. — Russell Sarder, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Then again, Oregon finished tied for tenth in the nation with 37 points per game, and Moore is on everyone's short list of Heisman candidates, so maybe stick to what's working. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 31 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for short list

• assist
• blacklist
• booklist
• checklist
• consist
• desist
• dismissed
• enlist
• exist
• insist
• oocyst
• persist