short list

¹ American  

Or shortlist

noun

1. a list of those people or items preferred or most likely to be chosen, as winnowed from a longer list of possibilities.

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short-list ² American  

[shawrt-list] / ˈʃɔrtˌlɪst /

verb (used with object)

1. to put on a short list.

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short list British  

noun

1. a list of suitable applicants for a job, post, etc, from which the successful candidate will be selected

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verb

1. to put (someone) on a short list

Etymology

Origin of short list

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

Schmid’s reference to inflation-fighting policy actions adds him to a short list of Fed officials who have hinted that an interest-rate increase could be called for if inflation remains stubborn or rises.

From The Wall Street Journal

Then Rock provides a short list of potential stops on Smith’s fantasy punching tour: Charlamagne Tha God, The Breakfast Club, “The View,” “The Talk,” every rapper, and the Drink Champs.

From Salon

On the men's side, former West Ham star Dimitri Payet and Newcastle winger Laurent Robert are two that fans may remember - but those that make it all the way form a short list.

From BBC

Vinyl Room joins a short list of places where audiophiles can go to listen to music on hi-fi equipment, which many argue is the best way to experience it.

From Los Angeles Times

Carson admitted that when he was first applying for jobs "there was a short list of options".

From BBC

Related Words

• waiting list