short list

¹

or shortlist

noun

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

short-list

²

[ shawrt-list ]

verb (used with object)

1. to put on a short list.

short list

noun

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

verb

1. to put (someone) on a short list

Word History and Origins

Origin of short list¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

Harvey, who was one of five women among the six authors on the Booker Prize short list, is the first woman to win the award since 2019.

From Los Angeles Times

It sure looks as if he scrambled to develop this novel theory to assure Trump of his fealty and avoid getting bumped off the Supreme Court short list for his lone defection from MAGA.

From Slate

Bird flu viruses have long been on the short list of pathogens with pandemic potential.

From Salon

Are we all gonna die?—Phillips sometimes refers his followers to his short list of hurricane rules, the most important of which is Rule No. 7: “Stop freaking out… until I tell you to. We’re fine.”

From Slate

Indeed, when we were researching our guide, we cut this beach from the short list because of the April fire that closed the pier.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• waiting list