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

The column contends that while Becerra possesses impressive credentials and accomplishments, voters select leaders based on personality and emotional energy rather than demonstrated competence alone.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

Anthropic restricted the release of Mythos to select major tech firms to give them a head start in fixing cybersecurity vulnerabilities and is looking into reports of unauthorized use of the model.

From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026

At the select committee, in the Commons and in the press.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

Foreign Affairs select committee chair Dame Emily Thornberry has invited Sir Olly to give evidence on Tuesday next week, the second time he will have been quizzed about his involvement in the Mandelson scandal.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

She must be on their summer select team, which is coached by the varsity coach from the high school.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison

Related Words

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