sampling

noun

sam·​pling ˈsam-pliŋ 

for senses 1 & 3

-p(ə-)liŋ 

1

: the act, process, or technique of selecting a suitable sample

specifically : the act, process, or technique of selecting a representative part of a population for the purpose of determining parameters or characteristics of the whole population

2

: a small part selected as a sample for inspection or analysis

ask a sampling of people which candidate they favor

3

: the introduction or promotion of a product by distributing trial packages of it

Synonyms of sampling

• sample

Examples of sampling in a Sentence

The reporter asked a sampling of people about their eating habits.

a sampling of the menu's entrées

We were given a sampling of the food.

The band does a lot of sampling.

Recent Examples on the Web

What follows is just a sampling of the stories NPR staff believe made some of the deepest ripples this year — reminders of what rigorous, compassionate journalism can do, and why the work remains as urgent as ever. —Thomas Evans, NPR, 22 Dec. 2025

What follows is a sampling of east metro statements. —Talia McWright, Twin Cities, 20 Dec. 2025

Virtual sampling is another area Future Snoops sees AI cutting waste. —Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 18 Dec. 2025

In particular, the researchers will use hydro-acoustic tech to track marine life that can’t be seen on visual recordings, eDNA sampling, and seafloor mapping to map the lives of our aquatic counterparts. —Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 17 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1778, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing sampling

• chorionic villus sampling

Rhymes for sampling

• trampling
• resampling
• subsampling

Medical Definition

sampling

noun

sam·​pling ˈsam-pliŋ 

1

: the act, process, or technique of selecting a suitable sample

specifically : the act, process, or technique of selecting a representative part of a population for the purpose of determining parameters or characteristics of the whole population

2

: sample

obtain a sampling of urine