select

adjective

se·​lect sə-ˈlekt 

1

: chosen from a number or group by fitness or preference

2

a

: of special value or excellence : superior, choice

b

: exclusively or fastidiously chosen often with regard to social, economic, or cultural characteristics

3

: judicious or restrictive in choice : discriminating

… pleased with the select appreciation of his books …

—Osbert Sitwell

selectable

sə-ˈlek-tə-bəl 

adjective

selectness

sə-ˈlek(t)-nəs 

noun

selector

sə-ˈlek-tər 

noun

Synonyms of select

• selected
• preferred
• favorite

Examples of select in a Sentence

Only a few select employees attended the meeting.

A select committee was formed to plan the project.

The group was small and select.

A select number of people are invited.

Only a select few will be accepted into the program.

He only drinks select wines.

Recent Examples on the Web

The channel can be found here, and episodes of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood can still be found on PBS stations across the country, and select episodes are available to stream on the PBS KIDS Video app. —Patrick Damp, CBS News, 4 June 2026

The Oura Ring 4 is still available in select finishes, starting at $349 for the silver and stealth models (the latter previously cost $399). —Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 4 June 2026

Officials noted that Codeshare and Rail 2 Rail services will be suspended on select high-demand dates in June and July. —City News Service, Daily News, 4 June 2026

Only a select group of therapists in Florida have the certification. —Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 4 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin selectus, past participle of seligere to select, from se- apart (from sed, se without) + legere to gather, select — more at suicide, legend

First Known Use

1565, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing select

• self-select

Rhymes for select

• affect
• aspect
• bedecked
• bisect
• collect
• connect
• correct
• deflect
• detect
• direct
• dissect
• effect

Kids Definition

select

1 of 2 verb

se·​lect sə-ˈlekt 

1

: to pick out from a number or group : choose

2

: to choose (a particular action or a section of text on a computer screen) especially using a mouse

select

2 of 2 adjective

1

: chosen from a number or group to include the best or most suitable individuals

invited only a few select employees

2

: of special value or excellence : superior, choice

a select hotel

Medical Definition

select

intransitive verb

se·​lect sə-ˈlekt 

: to cause a specified gene, trait, or organism to become more frequent or less frequent

—usually used with for or against

animal breeders need to select simultaneously for improved conformity to breed characteristics and against defective genes causing disease