noun

selection

si-LEK-shən

Selection (noun) means the act of choosing one or more things or people from a larger group. Example: “The selection of a new head teacher took three months.”

noun

The act of choosing one or more things or people from a larger group.

"The selection of a new head teacher took three months."

"Selection for the squad is based purely on form."

The thing or set of things chosen, or the range available to choose from.

"The shop carries a wide selection of imported cheeses."

"Her selection for the recital was a Chopin nocturne."

biology In biology, the process by which some organisms survive and reproduce more successfully than others, so that their traits become more common in a population.

"Natural selection favours moths whose colouring matches the bark."

"Artificial selection produced every modern breed of dog."

How to Use Selection

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishChoosing something, or the things you have to choose from.

When to use it

Neutral; the biological sense is technical.

Memory tip

Use a selection of before a plural noun: a selection of books, not a selection of book.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

election → choice → assortment →

Common pairings

a wide selection selection process natural selection selection criteria

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ of a new head teacher took three months.

Etymology

From Latin selectio, from seligere 'to choose out', from se- 'apart' and legere 'to gather, choose'.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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choice pick choosing appointment assortment range variety natural selection

Related Words

bad fine decision meeting range choice vote pick

Rhymes for selection

region billion ablation allusion emulsion ideation novation abortion abrasion diffusion elocution extension

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between selection and choice?

They overlap heavily. Selection tends to describe a deliberate process, often formal or systematic, and the group of items available; choice emphasises the decision itself and the freedom to make it. A shop has a good selection, but you make your choice.

What is natural selection in simple terms?

Individuals in a population vary, some of that variation is inherited, and the variants that help an organism survive and reproduce get passed on more often. Over many generations this shifts the whole population, which is how species adapt to their environment.

Is selection countable or uncountable?

Both. Uncountable when it means the process ('selection is competitive'), countable when it means the item or set chosen ('a fine selection of wines', 'her three selections').

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