noun

1. the act of choosing; choice
2. the power, right, or liberty of choosing
3. 1. something that is or can be chosen; choice
   2. an optional item that can be purchased to supplement or enhance another consumer item
4. a contract by which one person, company, etc. gives another, for a consideration, the right to buy, sell, or lease something, sign or renew a contract, etc. at a specified price and within a specified time
5. Football an offensive play in which the ball carrier decides whether to hand off, run with, lateral, or pass the football

Etymology: Fr < L optio < optare, to wish, desire, ult. < IE *op-, to choose, prefer

transitive verb

1. Sports to transfer (a player) to a minor league with the option of recalling him
2. to grant or acquire by means of an option (); specif., to buy or sell (rights) to (a book, film, etc.) in this way