WordGarden.ioselector
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /sɪlˈɛktə/
US
Meanings
Noun
a software control used to choose or highlight an item or option
a programming expression, function, or query used to target specific elements or data
a switch, lever, knob, or mechanism used to choose a setting, channel, gear, or mode
More meaningsFewer meanings
a person or system that chooses from available options or candidates
Beyond the definition
A selector is anything that chooses one thing from a group. Sometimes it is a person, like someone choosing songs for a playlist or officials choosing players for a team. Sometimes it is part of a machine or system, like a gear selector in a car or a control that lets you choose a setting. In computer work, a selector is often a piece of code or a rule that points to the exact item, element, or piece of data you want. The word usually suggests that the choice is made for a reason, not at random.
The word "selector" refers to anything that chooses or points to something from a larger group. It can be a person, a device, a control, or a rule in a system. The main idea is always the same: out of many possible options, it helps decide which one is wanted.
In everyday life, a selector may be a person making choices. A DJ can be described as a music selector because they choose which tracks to play. In sports such as cricket or rugby, a selector is an official who helps choose the players for a team. In that sense, the word often suggests judgment, taste, or careful choice.
The word is also common for controls and machines. A gear selector in a car lets the driver choose a driving mode or gear. On other devices, a selector may be a switch, dial, or lever used to choose a channel, function, or setting. Here, the idea is less about personal judgment and more about picking one option from several built-in choices.
In computing, a selector is often a rule or command used to point to a specific target. CSS selectors tell a web browser which HTML elements to style. In software tools and frameworks, a selector can also mean a function or expression that picks out a certain piece of information from a larger set of data. In this technical sense, it does not "choose" freely like a person does; it identifies the right item by following a pattern or rule.
So, whether it is a person choosing songs, an official choosing players, a lever choosing a gear, or code pointing to the right element, a selector is something that singles out one option from many. The word is useful because it works across human choices, machine controls, and technical systems, while keeping the same basic picture of selecting the right one.
Examples
- 1
Appliance setting
Turn the program selector to “delicate” before you start the washing machine.
- 2
Team selection
The selectors will announce the final squad on Friday.
- 3
Website language
Use the language selector at the top of the page if you want the site in Spanish.
- 4
Design tool
Click the color selector and pick a darker blue for the background.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
CSS rule
In CSS, this selector applies the style only to links inside the menu.
- DomainCSS
web design code
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- selectornoun
Forms
- selectorspluralnoun