select

American  

[si-lekt] / sɪˈlɛkt /

verb (used with object)

1. to choose in preference to another or others; pick out.

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verb (used without object)

1. to make a choice; pick.

adjective

1. chosen in preference to another or others; selected.

2. of special value or excellence; choice.

3. careful or fastidious in selecting; discriminating.

4. carefully or fastidiously chosen; exclusive.

   a select group of friends.

select British  

/ sɪˈlɛkt /

verb

1. to choose (someone or something) in preference to another or others

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adjective

1. Also: selected.  chosen in preference to another or others

2. of particular quality or excellence

3. limited as to membership or entry

   a select gathering

4. careful in making a choice

Related Words

See choose.

Other Word Forms

• nonselected adjective
• reselect verb (used with object)
• selectability noun
• selectable adjective
• selectly adverb
• selectness noun
• selector noun
• unselect adjective
• unselected adjective
• well-selected adjective

Etymology

Origin of select

First recorded in 1555–65; from Latin sēlēctus (past participle of sēligere “to gather apart”), equivalent to sē- “apart” + leg(ere) “to gather, choose” + -tus past participle suffix; cf. lection ( def. ), se-

Explanation

To select something means to choose it from among others. If you select the most expensive phone, it doesn’t necessarily mean you will be happy with what you get. You can use select as an adjective as well as a verb. It means "specially chosen" or "of superior quality." For instance, you might be one of the select few who know how to really appreciate a game of Tetris, or you might want to choose a wine from a select list of Spanish reds. All of this assumes that if you select one thing, you feel that it's better than all the other choices.

Example Sentences

If he does not return — and cannot serve out his new four-year contract — board members would select a superintendent.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026

The administration said the site would allow people to sort and select IRA offerings by factors including fees.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

Those who don’t want to chase the stocks at nosebleed levels can find promising investments in a select group.

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

For instance, if you plan to retire in 2040, select a fund for a later year, making sure that the glide path aligns with your preferences.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 2026

Analyze, interpret, and select artistic work for presentation.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin

Related Words

• choose
• cull
• decide
• elect
• make
• name
• pick
• single out
• take