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 transitive verb

Examples of short list in a Sentence

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.
This sort of strong-arming — or, from Vanessa’s point of view, safeguarding — clearly hasn’t gone over well in Hollywood, where Vanessa has been climbing higher and higher on many filmmakers’ life-is-too-short list. Peter Kiefer, HollywoodReporter, 19 Dec. 2025 The effort helped put him on the short list for FBI director, and when he was selected to the post, Knight came along. Daniel Klaidman, CBS News, 18 Dec. 2025 Former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh is also on the short list. Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 17 Dec. 2025 In 2009, Adelman made the short list of applicants for an opening on the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, which hears appeals of federal court cases in Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana. Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 10 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for short list

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of short list was in 1927

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Short list.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/short%20list. Accessed 21 Dec. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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