short list

noun

: a list of a small number of people or things that have been selected from a larger group and are being considered to receive an award, to get a job, etc.

Full Definition of SHORT LIST

: a limited list of important items or individuals; especially : a list of candidates for final consideration (as for a position or a prize)

— short–list transitive verb

See short list defined for English-language learners

First Known Use of SHORT LIST

1927

Rhymes with SHORT LIST

A-list, assist, backlist, blacklist, B-list, checklist, consist, dean's list, delist, desist, encyst, enlist, entwist, exist, handlist, hit list, insist, life list, mailed fist, persist, playlist, protist, Rehnquist, resist, subsist, untwist, wait-list, white list, wish list

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: short–livedPrevious Word in the Dictionary: short lineAll Words Near: short list

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up short list? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

View Seen & Heard Highlights from Around the Site

Test Your Vocabulary!

10 Charming Words for Nasty People

Put-downs with flair

Learn More

When "Literally" isn't, well, literal

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Watch Now

Know what this is?

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Go Play

Fear of cats?

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears

Learn More