noun

Selma

SEHL-muh

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Selma (noun) means a term used to describe a violent crackdown by authorities on peaceful civil rights protesters, evoking the 1965 Bloody Sunday attack on marchers in Selma, Alabama. Example: “Commentators called the police response a modern-day Selma.”

noun

A term used to describe a violent crackdown by authorities on peaceful civil rights protesters, evoking the 1965 Bloody Sunday attack on marchers in Selma, Alabama.

"How Many Selmas? Still another city in the south Is learning the hard way that the Negro will settle for nothing less than first class citizenship." — The Fresno Bee, p.60 (1965)

"Commentators called the police response a modern-day Selma."

"Historians still study the march as a turning point that shocked the nation into action."

How to use Selma

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishUsed, almost always capitalized, to compare a real event to the infamous violence against civil rights marchers in Selma, Alabama.

When to use it

Mostly used in journalism and historical commentary rather than everyday conversation.

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: Selmas

Test yourself on “Selma” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Commentators called the police response a modern-day _____.

Etymology

From the city of Selma, Alabama, site of the 1965 "Bloody Sunday" attack on civil rights marchers; the city name itself came into fashion in the 19th century alongside similar-sounding names like Thelma and Wilma.

· First attested 1965

Class of 1965 Selma joined the language around 1965.

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Rhymes for Selma

Velma Thelma

See all rhymes for Selma →

Frequently asked questions

What does “Selma” mean?

The word “Selma” means a term used to describe a violent crackdown by authorities on peaceful civil rights protesters, evoking the 1965 Bloody Sunday attack on marchers in Selma, Alabama. In plain terms, used, almost always capitalized, to compare a real event to the infamous violence against civil rights marchers in Selma, Alabama.

How do you pronounce “Selma”?

“Selma” is pronounced SEHL-muh (/ˈsɛlmə/ in IPA).

How do you use “Selma” in a sentence?

Here is “Selma” used in a sentence: “Commentators called the police response a modern-day Selma.”

What part of speech is “Selma”?

“Selma” is a noun.

Where does the word “Selma” come from?

The word “Selma” dates back to around 1965. From the city of Selma, Alabama, site of the 1965 "Bloody Sunday" attack on civil rights marchers; the city name itself came into fashion in the 19th century alongside similar-sounding names like Thelma and Wilma.