Origin: Greek suffix -ist
Shortlist has 4 different meanings across 2 categories:
a list of applicants winnowed from a longer list who have been deemed suitable and from which the successful person will be chosen
"The hiring committee created a shortlist of five candidates to interview before making their final selection."
Alternative spelling of short list
"The committee decided to use the term shortlist as an alternative spelling of short list when referring to their final candidates."
In plain English: A shortlist is a small group of people or things that have been chosen from many options to be considered further.
"After reviewing all applications, our committee has created a shortlist of five candidates for the job interview."
put someone or something on a short list
"The hiring manager decided to shortlist five candidates from the pool of two hundred applicants."
To place something on a short list
"The hiring committee decided to shortlist five candidates for the final interview round."
In plain English: To shortlist something means to pick it out as one of the best choices from a larger group so you can decide on just those few later.
"The committee will shortlist five candidates for the interview next week."