example

¹ex·am·ple

noun \ig-ˈzam-pəl\

Definition of EXAMPLE

1

: one that serves as a pattern to be imitated or not to be imitated <a good example> <a bad example>

2

: a punishment inflicted on someone as a warning to others; also : an individual so punished

3

: one (as an item or incident) that is representative of all of a group or type

4

: a parallel or closely similar case especially when serving as a precedent or model

5

: an instance (as a problem to be solved) serving to illustrate a rule or precept or to act as an exercise in the application of a rule

— for example \fər-ig-ˈzam-pəl, frig-\

: as an example <there are many sources of air pollution; exhaust fumes, for example>

Examples of EXAMPLE

1. He set a good example for the rest of us.
2. She gave several examples to show that the program is effective.
3. We've chosen three examples of contemporary architecture for closer study.
4. a classic example of a Persian rug
5. a fine example of the artist's work
6. The dictionary includes thousands of examples.

Origin of EXAMPLE

Middle English, from Anglo-French essample, example, from Latin exemplum, from eximere to take out, from ex- + emere to take — more at redeem

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to EXAMPLE

Synonyms

case, exemplar, exemplification, illustration, instance, prototype, representative, sample, specimen, case in point

Related Words

archetype, classic, locus classicus, paradigm; cross section, microcosm; evidence, indication, manifestation, sign

See Synonym Discussion at instance, model

Rhymes with EXAMPLE

ensample, subsample

²example

transitive verb

ex·am·pledex·am·pling \-p(ə-)liŋ\

Definition of EXAMPLE

1

: to serve as an example of

2

archaic : to be or set an example to

First Known Use of EXAMPLE

15th century