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selection

noun
se·​lec·​tion | \ sə-ˈlek-shən 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

 At his food halls, Mantica and co-founder Tyler Benson host a rotating selection of pop-ups, each workshopping a different dining concept. — Melissa Rayworth, USA TODAY, "Pittsburgh's transformed dining scene is the place to be and eat," 21 Aug. 2019 That his achievement had been overlooked by the Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame’s selection committee for more than half a century may be attributed to recency bias. — Tim Sullivan, The Courier-Journal, "Class project pays off with Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame honor for Willis Lee," 20 Aug. 2019 Next, a selection committee will review the public comment. — Daniel I. Dorfman, chicagotribune.com, "Bike paths, sidewalks in Niles, Morton Grove, Skokie get OK from planning group, but await dollars," 20 Aug. 2019 The first College Football Playoff rankings won’t be released until Nov. 5, giving pundits and the selection committee plenty to gloss over as the games are being played. — Scooby Axson, SI.com, "Preseason Power Rankings: The Hype vs. the Reality for 2019's Top Teams," 19 Aug. 2019 Barnes is the former chair of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament selection committee. — John Canzano, oregonlive.com, "John Canzano’s Top 25 most influential people in Oregon sports for 2019," 17 Aug. 2019 The College Football Playoff selection committee on Thursday released the in-season rankings schedule and the recusals lineup for 2019 — two pieces of information that might be far from mind now but will take center stage in a few months. — Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, "Hotline newsletter: Yes, Sports Illustrated ranked Stanford’s fake Tree over Colorado’s real buffalo (and loads more)," 16 Aug. 2019 Oregon athletic director Rob Mullens, the chair of the selection committee, said the committee will meet in person on Monday and Tuesday in Texas starting after Week 10, per CBS Sports. — Mark Heim | Mheim@al.com, al, "Dates set for release of CFP rankings," 16 Aug. 2019 Wiskus' performance put him in the mix for world championship team, though the selection committee will have plenty to sort through. — Will Graves, baltimoresun.com, "Sam Mikulak cruises to sixth U.S. title in men’s gymnastics; Baltimore’s Donnell Whittenburg places seventh," 11 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 | \ sə-ˈlek-shən 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 | \ sə-ˈlek-shən 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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facile

play

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