short list

noun

: 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

ˈshȯrt-ˌlist 

transitive verb

Examples of short list in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Here is a short list of the top softball players in the area who have earned nominations for the Daily News’ yearly awards like Player of the Year and Pitcher of the Year. —Tarek Fattal, Daily News, 29 Apr. 2026

And that's just one product on a short list of newness across hair, makeup and skin care that's already made a major impression. —Jackie Fields, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026

The proof of this, of course, will be seen when the Canucks reduce their candidates to a proper short list and begin in-person interviews. —Thomas Drance, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026

Suddenly Chapa had joined Salazar on a short list of contenders to make Team USA in the marathon for the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. —Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 25 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for short list

• assist
• blacklist
• booklist
• checklist
• consist
• desist
• dismissed
• enlist
• exist
• insist
• oocyst
• persist