# Selma

/ˈsɛɫmə/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/selma
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a city in Alabama that is famous for its role in the American civil rights movement. It is often mentioned when talking about the 1965 marches for voting rights.

For teachers: a city in Alabama, United States, serving as a significant historical symbol of the American civil rights movement. When used in political discourse, it typically refers to the 1965 voting rights marches and the subsequent passage of the Voting Rights Act.

## Examples

- Many people visit Selma to learn about civil rights history.
- The bridge in Selma remains a powerful landmark where activists marched for the right to vote in 1965.
- In political rhetoric, invoking the name of Selma serves to remind audiences of the arduous struggle for racial equality and the legislative milestones achieved through nonviolent protest.

## Usage notes

- Usually functions as a proper noun referring to the specific geographic location or the historical events associated with it.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.