EXAMPLE Definition & Meaning

View synonyms for

example

[ ig-zam-puhl, -zahm- ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

one of a number of things, or a part of something, taken to show the character of the whole:
This painting is an example of his early work.
Synonyms: ,
a pattern or model, as of something to be imitated or avoided:
to set a good example.
Synonyms: , , , , , , , ,
an instance serving for illustration; a representative case:
The case histories gave carefully detailed examples of this disease.
Synonyms: , , , , , ,
an instance illustrating a rule or method, as a mathematical problem proposed for solution.
an instance, especially of punishment, serving as a warning to others:
Public executions were meant to be examples to the populace.
a precedent; parallel case:
an action without example.

verb (used with object)

exampled, exampling.

Rare. to give or be an example of; exemplify (used in the passive).

example

/ ɪɡˈ��ɑː��ə�� /

noun

a specimen or instance that is typical of the group or set of which it forms part; sample
a person, action, thing, etc, that is worthy of imitation; pattern
you must set an example to the younger children
a precedent, illustration of a principle, or model
an example in a maths book
a punishment or the recipient of a punishment serving or intended to serve as a warning
the headmaster made an example of him
for example
as an illustration; for instance

verb

tr; now usually passive to present an example of; exemplify

Discover More

51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of example¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English exa(u)mple, from Middle French example, from Latin exemplum, akin to eximere “to take out,” from ex- ex- ¹ + emere “to buy,” originally “to take”; replacing Middle English exemple, from Latin, as above

Discover More

51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of example¹

C14: from Old French, from Latin exemplum pattern, from eximere to take out, from ex- ¹+ emere to purchase

Discover More

Idioms and Phrases

see for example ; make an example of ; set an example .

Discover More

Synonym Study

Example, sample, specimen refer to an individual phenomenon taken as representative of a type, or to a part representative of the whole. Example is used of an object, condition, etc., that is assumed to illustrate a certain principle or standard: a good example of baroque architecture. Sample refers to a small portion of a substance or to a single representative of a group or type that is intended to show what the rest of the substance or the group is like: a sample of yarn. Specimen usually suggests that the “sample” chosen is intended to serve a scientific or technical purpose: a blood specimen; zoological specimens. See ideal. See case ¹.

Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

For example, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials said this week that the visa of a University of Minnesota student was revoked in March because of a 2023 drunk driving incident in which he pleaded guilty.

From

Take as an example the Trump voter in 2016 who told an interviewer he chose that candidate not out of any expectation of improvement; he voted with his middle finger.

From

In January, for example, researchers found corals, sponges and even giant sea spiders some 750 feet under the waves — all suddenly unearthed when a glacier broke free during a Schmidt Ocean Institute voyage.

From

For example, if you love where you live, have great neighbors or are attached to your home, renovating may be the better choice.

From

A third of its revenue, for example, is consumed by selling and administrative expense.

From

Related 51�Թ�s

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Browse