selection

noun

se·​lec·​tion sə-ˈlek-shən 

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

• choice
• choosing
• election
• picking
• selecting

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

The Saints currently hold the No. 9 overall selection in April’s NFL draft. —Wayne Sterling, CNN, 11 Feb. 2025

The roughly 17-year-old brand is entering the beauty retailer on Tuesday, offering a selection of its popular hair accessories, hairbrushes and its full hair care line at 390 locations and the Sephora website. —Layla Ilchi, WWD, 10 Feb. 2025

In 2021, the Eagles parted with a third-round selection in order to move up from the No. 12 pick to No. 10. —Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 10 Feb. 2025

Those auditioning should prepare the following: Two contrasting monologues no longer than three minutes in total length; two contrasting musical selections no longer than 32 bars each. —Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1623, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing selection

• artificial selection
• kin selection
• make a/one's selection
• natural selection
• self-selection bias
• sexual selection

Kids Definition

selection

noun

se·​lec·​tion sə-ˈlek-shən 

1

: the act of selecting : the state of being selected

selection of the best poem was difficult

cheered my selection as athlete of the year

2

a

: one that is selected : choice

b

: a collection of selected things

3

: any natural or artificial process that tends to favor the survival and reproduction of some individuals but not of others with the result that only the inherited characteristics of the favored individuals continue to be passed on

Medical Definition

selection

noun

se·​lec·​tion sə-ˈlek-shən 

: 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