option
option Lexical Profile
option Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A thing that is or may be chosen; an alternative course of action or possibility.
"Students have the option of taking either Spanish or French to fulfill their language requirement."
A legal right or financial contract giving the holder the privilege, without the obligation, to buy or sell an asset, property, or security at a specified price within a set time period.
"The startup offered new employees stock options as part of their compensation package."
An additional feature, accessory, or piece of equipment that can be chosen for a product (such as a vehicle or software program) rather than being included as standard.
"Heated leather seats and a sunroof are available as factory options on this model."
North American An offensive play in American football in which the ballcarrier may choose whether to run with the ball, pass it, or pitch it to a teammate depending on the defense's reaction.
"The quarterback read the defensive end and pitched the ball on the triple option."
• verb
To buy or grant a legal option on a creative work, property, or athlete's contract for potential future production, purchase, or transfer.
"A major film studio optioned her debut novel before it even hit the bestseller list."
• Rhymes for option
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 16th century from Middle French option, from Latin optiō ('free choice, liberty to choose'), derived from the verb optāre ('to choose, wish for, desire').