First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1choice
noun \ˈchȯis\
: the act of choosing : the act of picking or deciding between two or more possibilities
: the opportunity or power to choose between two or more possibilities : the opportunity or power to make a decision
: a range of things that can be chosen
Full Definition of CHOICE
1
: the act of choosing : selection <finding it hard to make a choice>
2
: power of choosing : option <you have no choice>
3
a : the best part : cream b : a person or thing chosen <she was their first choice>
4
: a number and variety to choose among <a plan with a wide choice of options>
5
: care in selecting
6
: a grade of meat between prime and good
— of choice
: to be preferred
See choice defined for English-language learners
See choice defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of CHOICE
Middle English chois, from Anglo-French, from choisir to choose, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German kiosan to choose — more at choose
Related to CHOICE
- Synonyms
- alternative, discretion, druthers [dialect], election, liberty, option, pick, preference, selection, volition, way
- Antonyms
- rejectee
Synonym Discussion of CHOICE
choice, option, alternative, preference, selection, election mean the act or opportunity of choosing or the thing chosen. choice suggests the opportunity or privilege of choosing freely <freedom of choice>. option implies a power to choose that is specifically granted or guaranteed <the option of paying now or later>. alternative implies a need to choose one and reject another possibility <equally attractive alternatives>. preference suggests a choice guided by one's judgment or predilections <a preference for cool weather>. selection implies a range of choice <a varied selection of furniture>. election implies an end or purpose which requires exercise of judgment <doing a tax return forces certain elections on you>.
2choice
adjective
: very good
of meat : of a quality that is good but not the best
of words or phrases : carefully chosen especially for the purpose of expressing anger or disapproval
choic·erchoic·est
Full Definition of CHOICE
1
: worthy of being chosen
2
: selected with care
3
a : of high quality b : of a grade between prime and good <choice meat>
— choice·ly adverb
— choice·ness noun
See choice defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of CHOICE
14th century
Related to CHOICE
Synonym Discussion of CHOICE
choice, exquisite, elegant, rare, delicate, dainty mean having qualities that appeal to a cultivated taste. choice stresses preeminence in quality or kind <choice fabric>. exquisite implies a perfection in workmanship or design that appeals only to very sensitive taste <an exquisite gold bracelet>. elegant applies to what is rich and luxurious but restrained by good taste <a sumptuous but elegant dining room>. rare suggests an uncommon excellence <rare beauty>. delicate implies exquisiteness, subtlety, and fragility <delicate craftsmanship>. dainty sometimes carries an additional suggestion of smallness and of appeal to the eye or palate <dainty sandwiches>.
CHOICENESS Defined for Kids
1choice
noun \ˈchȯis\
Definition of CHOICE for Kids
1
: the act of picking between two or more possibilities <You have some choices to make.>
2
: the power of choosing : option <If I had a choice, I'd stay here.>
3
: a person or thing chosen <This restaurant was a good choice.> <She's my first choice for the job.>
4
: a range of possibilities to choose from <The menu offers a lot of choice.>
2choice
adjective
choic·erchoic·est
Definition of CHOICE for Kids
: of very good quality <the choicest fruits>
Learn More About CHOICE
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: choice–drawnPrevious Word in the Dictionary: chogsetAll Words Near: choice
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up choice? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).