example

noun ex·am·ple \ ig-ˈzam-pəl \

|Updated on: 19 Jun 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: example in a Sentence

Definition of example

1 : one that serves as a pattern to be imitated or not to be imitated

a good example

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

3 : one 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 (such 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 play \fər-ig-ˈzam-pəl, frig-\

: as an example

there are many sources of air pollution; exhaust fumes, for example

See example defined for English-language learners

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Examples of example in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of example from the Web

Someone who goes on vacation may be able to detect a sprinkler system malfunction, for example.

— karen zurawski, Houston Chronicle, "Katy to upgrade water meter system," 16 June 2018
For example, an individual account, joint account, individual retirement account and Roth IRA each gets up to $500,000 worth of protection.

— kathleen pender, SFChronicle.com, "Is it safe to keep more than $500,000 in a brokerage account?," 16 June 2018
There is no doubt that this approach would be highly problematic in Brussels, not least because goods and services are intermingled in many products—for example the data technologies in new cars.

— laurence norman, WSJ, "Fed Up With Brexit? Sorry, It Could Go On for Years.," 16 June 2018
While making a furniture run, for example, with a friend — Danny had mothballed a bedroom set at his mother’s house and needed a hand getting it into his truck.

— Longreads, "The Cold War and its Fallout," 16 June 2018
Darwin, for example, would beaver away for three or four hours in the morning, then knock off for the afternoon, maybe take a long stroll, write some letters, and top it off with a nap.

— clive thompson, WIRED, "Why You Should Slack Off to Get Some Work Done," 16 June 2018
Some have called on the 26-member Metro Council to create a rule requiring the mayor's guest list to be disclosed, similar to how council members must conduct business when using taxpayer dollars to purchase tickets for luncheons, for example.

— phillip m. bailey, The Courier-Journal, "We know one of Mayor Fischer's secret Derby guests. Who are the rest?," 15 June 2018
The fastest growing supermassive black hole known to exist, for example, could devour the Sun in two days.

— david grossman, Popular Mechanics, "Scientists Witness Aftermath of a Black Hole Destroying a Star," 15 June 2018
Bridges, for example, isn’t actually competing against any other draft prospects in any of his workouts.

— rob mahoney, SI.com, "Breakaway: Inside the Life of Future Lottery Pick Mikal Bridges," 15 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'example.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology 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

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First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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example Synonyms

Synonyms

case, exemplar, illustration, instance, prototype, representative, sample, specimen;

cross section, microcosm;

evidence, indication, manifestation, sign;

Phrases

case in point;

Synonym Discussion of example

instance, case, illustration, example, sample, specimen mean something that exhibits distinguishing characteristics in its category. instance applies to any individual person, act, or thing that may be offered to illustrate or explain.

- an instance of history repeating itself

case is used to direct attention to a real or assumed occurrence or situation that is to be considered, studied, or dealt with.

- a case of mistaken identity

illustration applies to an instance offered as a means of clarifying or illuminating a general statement.

- a telling illustration of Murphy's Law

example applies to a typical, representative, or illustrative instance or case.

- a typical example of bureaucratic waste

sample implies a part or unit taken at random from a larger whole and so presumed to be typical of its qualities.

- show us a sample of your work

specimen applies to any example or sample whether representative or merely existent and available.

- one of the finest specimens of the jeweler's art

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

example

verb

Definition of example

exampled; exampling play \ig-ˈzam-p(ə-)liŋ\

transitive verb

1 : to serve as an example of

2 archaic : to be or set an example to

First Known Use of example

14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

EXAMPLE Defined for English Language Learners

example

noun

Definition of example for English Language Learners

: a person or way of behaving that is seen as a model that should be followed
: someone or something that is mentioned to help explain what you are saying or to show that a general statement is true
: something or someone chosen from a group in order to show what the whole group is like