template

noun

tem·​plate ˈtem-plət How to pronounce template (audio)
1
a(1)
: a gauge, pattern, or mold (such as a thin plate or board) used as a guide to the form of a piece being made
(2)
: a molecule (as of DNA) that serves as a pattern for the generation of another macromolecule (such as messenger RNA)
2
: something that establishes or serves as a pattern
3
: a short piece or block placed horizontally in a wall under a beam to distribute its weight or pressure (as over a door)

Examples of template in a Sentence

The software includes templates for common marketing documents like pamphlets and flyers.
Recent Examples on the Web Multiple templates are printed in different colors to build the final image on a white background. Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, 15 Mar. 2024 That means Apple’s own design templates are optional, instead of being forced on developers. Tom Warren, The Verge, 12 Mar. 2024 The venue’s template of change and continuity is underscored by the 13 concerts that will kick off this year’s season. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2024 This article was generated by the Kansas City Star Bot, artificial intelligence software that analyzes structured information from TomTom and applies it to templates created by journalists in the newsroom. Kansas City Star Bot, Kansas City Star, 8 Mar. 2024 Being from Texas, and what’s happening there, Texas is very much a template with what [Republicans] want to do with the rest of the country. Jason Parham, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2024 Perhaps Bellinger’s short-term, high-dollar contract with multiple opt-outs will serve as the template for the other three. Daniel R. Epstein, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2024 In fact, late baby boomers offer a template for the way a big sub-generation moves through the economy. Jeanna Smialek, New York Times, 2 Mar. 2024 Does this template truly convey the depth of our concern? Chris Briggs, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'template.' 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

alteration of earlier templet in same senses (by assimilation to plate entry 1), of uncertain origin

Note: The form templet has been compared with French templet "implement on a loom for stretching cloth during weaving," a diminutive of temple in the same sense, though there is no apparent explanation for the very dissimilar senses. The relation of sense 3 (attested earlier) to sense 1 is unclear.

First Known Use

1549, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Time Traveler
The first known use of template was in 1549

Dictionary Entries Near template

Cite this Entry

“Template.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/template. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

template

noun
tem·​plate ˈtem-plət How to pronounce template (audio)
1
: a gauge, pattern, or mold (as a thin plate or board) used as a guide to the form of a piece being made
2
: something that establishes or serves as a pattern

Medical Definition

template

noun
tem·​plate ˈtem-plət How to pronounce template (audio)
1
also templet : a gauge, pattern, or mold used as a guide to the form of a piece being made
2
: a molecule (as of DNA) that serves as a pattern for the synthesis of another macromolecule (as messenger RNA)

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