n.1 a the act or an instance of choosing; a choice. b a thing that is or may be chosen (those are the options).
2 the liberty of choosing; freedom of choice.
3 Stock Exch. etc. the right, obtained by payment, to buy, sell, etc. specified stocks etc. at a specified price within a set time.
Phrases and idioms:
have no option but to must. keep (or leave) one's options open not commit oneself.
Etymology: F or f. L optio, stem of optare choose