model

1 of 3

noun

mod·​el ˈmä-dᵊl How to pronounce model (audio)
1
: a usually miniature representation of something
a plastic model of the human heart
also : a pattern of something to be made
2
a
: a type or design of product (such as a car)
offers eight new models for next year, including a completely restyled convertible
b
: a type or design of clothing
girls, self-conscious in their Paris modelsPaul Bowles
3
: a system of postulates, data, and inferences presented as a mathematical description of an entity or state of affairs
also : a computer simulation (see simulation sense 3a) based on such a system
climate models
4
5
: an example for imitation or emulation
his written addresses are models of clearness, logical order, and styleA. B. Noble
6
: one who is employed to display clothes or other merchandise
has appeared as a model in ads for swimsuits
7
: a person or thing that serves as a pattern for an artist
especially : one who poses for an artist
His wife served as the model for many of his paintings.
8
: version sense 2
an experimental model of a bionic arm
9
: a description or analogy used to help visualize something (such as an atom) that cannot be directly observed
10
: structural design
a home on the model of an old farmhouse
11
: an organism whose appearance a mimic imitates
12
13
dialectal British : copy, image
14
obsolete : a set of plans for a building

model

2 of 3

verb

modeled or modelled; modeling or modelling
ˈmäd-liŋ,
ˈmä-dᵊl-iŋ How to pronounce model (audio)

transitive verb

1
: to construct or fashion in imitation of a particular model
modeled its constitution on that of the U.S.
2
a
: to shape or fashion in a plastic material
modeling figures from clay
b
: to produce a representation or simulation (see simulation sense 3a) of
using a computer to model a problem
3
: to display by wearing, using, or posing with
modeled gowns
4
: to plan or form after a pattern : shape
legislative institutions primarily modeled on the English pattern
5
archaic : to make into an organization (such as an army, government, or parish)

intransitive verb

1
: to work or act as a fashion or art model
Each contestant modeled in front of the judges.
2
: to design or imitate forms : make a pattern
The students are modeling in clay.
modeler noun
or less commonly modeller
ˈmäd-lər,
ˈmä-dᵊl-ər How to pronounce model (audio)

model

3 of 3

adjective

1
: serving as or capable of serving as a pattern
a model student
2
: being a usually miniature representation of something
a model airplane
Choose the Right Synonym for model

model, example, pattern, exemplar, ideal mean someone or something set before one for guidance or imitation.

model applies to something taken or proposed as worthy of imitation.

a decor that is a model of good taste

example applies to a person to be imitated or in some contexts on no account to be imitated but to be regarded as a warning.

children tend to follow the example of their parents

pattern suggests a clear and detailed archetype or prototype.

American industry set a pattern for others to follow

exemplar suggests either a faultless example to be emulated or a perfect typification.

cited Joan of Arc as the exemplar of courage

ideal implies the best possible exemplification either in reality or in conception.

never found a job that matched his ideal

Examples of model in a Sentence

Noun She's building a model of the Earth for science class. a plastic model of the human heart We've improved on last year's model, making the car safer and easier to control. He bought one of the old 1965 models. We couldn't afford one of the fancy TVs and had to buy the standard model. We've developed a computer model of the economy to predict what will happen in the future. Companies are developing new business models. Verb The faces of the gods were modeled in white stone. They're modeling this year's new spring fashions. She got a job modeling shoes for a catalog company. a fashion model who has angered animal lovers by modeling fur coats Adjective Our university has a model program for training its athletes. why can't you be like your sister, who is such a well-behaved model child?
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
For the new collaboration, AP brings its technical prowess while harnessing Mayer’s creative edge to infuse a new perspective into the iconic model. Cait Bazemore, Robb Report, 7 Mar. 2024 Later, the researchers selected a random sample of 30 winter manure-spreading events the model detected. Bennet Goldstein, Journal Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2024 The model also shows what would happen if the vaccination rate in all South Florida schools decreased by 10%. Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2024 This model allows the two majority vote-getters to advance to the general election, regardless of party. Lindsey Holden, Sacramento Bee, 6 Mar. 2024 The hybrid accounts for a greater share of police sales than the civilian model. Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 6 Mar. 2024 To underline the models’ steps, Filippo Grazioli, creative director of Missoni, decided to have one long music track specially created by producer Andrea Mangia (aka Populous). Billboard Italy, Billboard, 6 Mar. 2024 The new Royalty Fund would not replace the current streaming payout model, but add a separate payment. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 6 Mar. 2024 This model considers computing costs, the likelihood of dishonest behavior, and the impact of incorrect computations on overall system integrity. Max (chong) Li, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2024
Verb
Ice Spice modeled an array of chic looks as part of the Nocturna collection’s debut, which rolled out on Thursday (March 7). Michael Saponara, Billboard, 7 Mar. 2024 Cassidy’s gun is modeled off Spike’s iconic Swordfish ship. Ash Parrish, The Verge, 7 Mar. 2024 Since then, it’s been modeled by everyone from Real Housewives to Taylor Swift. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 5 Mar. 2024 According to the museum's website, there have been wax figures modeled after the pop star on display in its museums across the world, in cities including Las Vegas, New York and London. Brenton Blanchet, Peoplemag, 3 Mar. 2024 Actress Laverne Cox, left, Apfel, second from right, and model Karolina Kurkova, right, attend the Desigual fashion show during New York Fashion Week. Washington Post Staff, Washington Post, 2 Mar. 2024 Siemens' collaboration with a German city to model energy demand and infrastructure using digital twin technology is a compelling case. Oleg Fonarov, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 Deva Cassel, a daughter of Monica Bellucci and Vincent Cassel, modeled for Alberta Ferretti in Milan. Elizabeth Paton, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2024 The judge’s video, which was modeled on work for athletic brands, is now a finalist for the political advertising industry’s prestigious Reed Award. Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2024
Adjective
In that decade the Beehive State earned a reputation as a model red state for uniting religious, business, and immigrant advocacy groups, says Dr. Hofmann. Sarah Matusek, The Christian Science Monitor, 7 Mar. 2024 The researchers fed their model individual video frames and a transcript of things people said at that time. Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Feb. 2024 Nguyen explained that the creation of the school designation in 2007 was the result of work from activists and scholars, who sought to address the fallacy of the model minority myth. Kimmy Yam, NBC News, 27 Sep. 2023 Built on the remains of an 18th-century garrison, about 30 miles northwest of Prague, it was advertised as a model Jewish community—a cruel and cynical feat of Nazi planning. Douglas Starr, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Aug. 2023 There is, alas, little reason other than wishful thinking to expect that other nations will evolve along Whiggish lines into model Western-style democracies. Max Boot, Foreign Affairs, 10 Mar. 2023 His low-maintenance mentality and consistent approach helped the Spurs be the model NBA franchise for almost 20 years. Andrew Birkle, Detroit Free Press, 16 May 2023 The firm has also previously sued the state education department because its model ethnic studies curriculum contained an affirmation that the firm claimed constituted an Aztec prayer. Kristen Taketa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Apr. 2023 The model minority myth, Thanh notes, paints AAPI people as never in need of assistance. Thuc Doan Nguyen, refinery29.com, 4 May 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'model.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

Middle French modelle, from Old Italian modello, from Vulgar Latin *modellus, from Latin modulus small measure, from modus

First Known Use

Noun

1570, in the meaning defined at sense 14

Verb

1613, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 4

Adjective

1831, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of model was in 1570

Dictionary Entries Near model

Cite this Entry

“Model.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/model. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

model

1 of 3 noun
mod·​el ˈmäd-ᵊl How to pronounce model (audio)
1
a
: a small but exact copy of something
a ship model
b
: a pattern or figure of something to be made
clay models for a statue
2
: a person who sets a good example
a model of politeness
3
a
: a person or thing that serves as an artist's pattern
especially : a person who poses for an artist or photographer
b
: a person who wears in the presence of customers garments that are for sale or who poses for ads for merchandise (as clothes)
4
: type entry 1 sense 2b, kind
our car is a late model
5
a
: a description or construction used to help form a picture of something (as an atom) that cannot be seen directly
a model of a DNA molecule
b
: a computer simulation
climate models

model

2 of 3 verb
modeled or modelled; modeling or modelling ˈmäd-liŋ How to pronounce model (audio)
-ᵊl-iŋ
1
: to plan or shape after a pattern
2
: to make a model : mold
3
: to act or serve as a model
modeler noun
or modeller
ˈmäd-lər,
-ᵊl-ər

model

3 of 3 adjective
1
: serving as or worthy of being a pattern
a model student
2
: being a miniature copy of something
a model airplane

Medical Definition

model

1 of 2 noun
mod·​el ˈmäd-ᵊl How to pronounce model (audio)
1
a
: a pattern of something to be made : a cast of a tooth or oral cavity
2
: something (as a similar object or a construct) used to help visualize or explore something else (as the living human body) that cannot be directly observed or experimented on see animal model
3
: a system of postulates, data, and inferences presented as a mathematical description of an entity or state of affairs

model

2 of 2 transitive verb
modeled or modelled; modeling or modelling ˈmäd-liŋ, -ᵊl-iŋ How to pronounce model (audio)
: to produce (as by computer) a representation or simulation of

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