The selected attribute on an <option> tag specifies that the dropdown option is selected, i.e. highlighted.
If used in a multi-select dropdown, only the last option will be selected.
A selected attribute on an <option> element.
Of the countries, Sweden is selected.
<select>
<option label="">-- Select a Country --</option>
<option value="denmark">Denmark</option>
<option value="sweden" selected>Sweden</option>
<option value="norway">Norway</option>
</select>
The selected attribute specifies a selected (highlighted) option in a dropdown control.
When the page loads, this will be the selected item.
In a standard, single-select dropdown control, only one option can have a selected attribute.
With multiple options selected, only the last option with this attribute will be selected.
However, a multi-select dropdown control, with the multiple attribute, can have multiple options selected.
<option selected>
Here is when selected support started for each browser:
 Chrome
|
1.0 | Sep 2008 |
 Firefox
|
1.0 | Sep 2002 |
 IE/Edge
|
8.0 | Mar 2009 |
 Opera
|
1.0 | Jan 2006 |
 Safari
|
1.0 | Jan 2003 |
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