1
: chosen from a number or group by fitness or preference
2
3
: judicious or restrictive in choice : discriminating
pleased with the select appreciation of his books—
Osbert Sitwell
Osbert Sitwell
selected; selecting; selects
: to choose (as by fitness or excellence) from a number or group : pick out
: to make a choice
: one that is select
—often used in plural
Synonyms
Examples of select in a Sentence
Adjective
Only a few select employees attended the meeting.
A select committee was formed to plan the project.
The group was small and select.
A select number of people are invited.
Only a select few will be accepted into the program.
He only drinks select wines.
Verb
Please select one item from the list.
The school will only select 12 applicants for enrollment.
Knowing the importance of making the right choice, he selected carefully.
Select “Insert” from the “Edit” menu.
Recent Examples on the Web
Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 20 Nov. 2024
Post Malone Celebrates His Country Album Release in Nashville with a Listening Party at Losers (Exclusive Photos)
Sierra Farrell will join as a special guest for select dates throughout the run.
—Jack Irvin, People.com, 19 Nov. 2024
Alex Perry, The Enquirer, 22 Nov. 2024
Duvernay has twice been selected to the Pro Bowl as a kick returner.
—Danny Davis, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 15 Oct. 2024
Not to mention the high quality selects below will run you less than $100.
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 9 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for select 
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Adjective
This new teaser features the star of the Alien-verse: the Xenomorph, which fans of the franchise also saw in an earlier clip released for select movie-goers who attended screenings of Alien: Romulus.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 20 Nov. 2024
Post Malone Celebrates His Country Album Release in Nashville with a Listening Party at Losers (Exclusive Photos)
Sierra Farrell will join as a special guest for select dates throughout the run.
—Jack Irvin, People.com, 19 Nov. 2024
Verb
Fans can scan a QR code located on the wrapper and vote for their favorite sandwich, helping select the ultimate contest winner.
—Alex Perry, The Enquirer, 22 Nov. 2024
Duvernay has twice been selected to the Pro Bowl as a kick returner.
—Danny Davis, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
Noun
Opening selects shows are Ryan Davis & the Roadhouse Band, Hollow Hand, Wild Pink, This Is Lorelei, Nap Eyes, and Trace Mountains.
—Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 15 Oct. 2024
Not to mention the high quality selects below will run you less than $100.
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 9 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for select
Dictionary Entries Near select
Cite this Entry
“Select.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/select. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
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Medical Definition
select
intransitive verb
se·lect
sə-ˈlekt 
: to cause a specified gene, trait, or organism to become more frequent or less frequent
—usually used with for or against
animal breeders need to select simultaneously for improved conformity to breed characteristics and against defective genes causing disease
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