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selection

noun
se·​lec·​tion | \ sÉ™-ˈlek-shÉ™n How to pronounce selection (audio) \

Definition of selection

1 : the act or process of selecting : the state of being selected
2 : one that is selected : choice also : a collection of selected things
3 : a natural or artificial process that results or tends to result in the survival and propagation of some individuals or organisms but not of others with the result that the inherited traits of the survivors are perpetuated — compare darwinism, natural selection
Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about selection

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Choose the Right Synonym for selection

choice, option, alternative, preference, selection, election mean the act or opportunity of choosing or the thing chosen. choice suggests the opportunity or privilege of choosing freely. freedom of choice option implies a power to choose that is specifically granted or guaranteed. the option of paying now or later alternative implies a need to choose one and reject another possibility. equally attractive alternatives preference suggests a choice guided by one's judgment or predilections. a preference for cool weather selection implies a range of choice. a varied selection of furniture election implies an end or purpose which requires exercise of judgment. doing a tax return forces certain elections on you

Examples of selection in a Sentence

The selection of the best poem was difficult. his selection of a running mate was a long, tedious affair

Recent Examples on the Web

 Newton, a three-time Pro Bowl selection and 2015 league MVP, had offseason surgery on his right shoulder. — Los Angeles Times, "The Sports Report: Joc Pederson finds one opponent he can’t beat," 3 Sep. 2019 The six-time Pro Bowl selection was released on Saturday. — BostonGlobe.com, "Chargers suspend contract extension talks with RB Melvin Gordon," 1 Sep. 2019 Since then, New England has won six Super Bowls, and Brady has been a 14-time Pro Bowler, four-time Super Bowl MVP, three-time NFL MVP and three-time All-Pro first-team selection. — Mark Inabinett | [email protected], al, "Jarrett Stidham to start NFL career as Tom Brady’s backup," 31 Aug. 2019 The 26-year-old Clowney is a three-time Pro Bowl selection. — Tim Booth, sun-sentinel.com, "Jadeveon Clowney, after spurning Miami Dolphins, heading to Seahawks," 31 Aug. 2019 Hudson, 30, has started all 48 regular-season games for the Raiders the past three seasons and is a two-time Pro Bowl selection. — Matt Kawahara, SFChronicle.com, "Raiders sign center Rodney Hudson to three-year extension," 30 Aug. 2019 Blount was a two-time All-Pro, five-time Pro Bowl selection and, on a defense loaded with future Hall of Famers, the 1975 Defensive Player of the Year. — The Si Staff, SI.com, "100 Figures Who Shaped the NFL’s First Century," 28 Aug. 2019 The eight-time Pro Bowl selection did not play in the Cardinals' third preseason game as the team started to prepare for life without the cornerback when his suspension kicks in to start the regular season. — Jeremy Cluff, azcentral, "Patrick Peterson trade rumors: Arizona Cardinals will trade cornerback in 2019," 27 Aug. 2019 Luck is a four-time Pro Bowl selection who was named the NFL Comeback Player of the Year last season. — Aaron Wilson, Houston Chronicle, "Texans' Bill O'Brien salutes 'courageous, tough' Andrew Luck," 26 Aug. 2019

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

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First Known Use of selection

circa 1623, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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More Definitions for selection

selection

noun
How to pronounce selection (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of selection

: the act of choosing something or someone from a group
: someone or something that is chosen from a group
: a collection of things chosen from a group of similar things

See the full definition for selection in the English Language Learners Dictionary

selection

noun
se·​lec·​tion | \ sÉ™-ˈlek-shÉ™n How to pronounce selection (audio) \

Kids Definition of selection

1 : the act or process of choosing
2 : something that is chosen

selection

noun
se·​lec·​tion | \ sÉ™-ˈlek-shÉ™n How to pronounce selection (audio) \

Medical Definition of selection

: a natural or artificial process that results or tends to result in the survival and propagation of some individuals or organisms but not of others with the result that the inherited traits of the survivors are perpetuated — compare darwinism, natural selection

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More from Merriam-Webster on selection

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with selection

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for selection

Spanish Central: Translation of selection

Nglish: Translation of selection for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of selection for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about selection

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