model

noun

mod·el | \ ˈmä-dᵊl

Essential Meaning of model

1 : a usually small copy of something She's building a model of the Earth for science class. models of famous buildings See More Examplesa plastic model of the human heart a scale model [=a small but exact copy] of a shipHide

2 : a particular type or version of a product (such as a car or computer) 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.

3 : a set of ideas and numbers that describe the past, present, or future state of something (such as an economy or a business) a mathematical model We've developed a computer model of the economy to predict what will happen in the future. Companies are developing new business models.

Full Definition of model

(Entry 1 of 3)

1 : a usually miniature representation of something a plastic model of the human heart also : a pattern of something to be made

2a : 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 models— Paul 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 : archetype

5 : an example for imitation or emulation his written addresses are models of clearness, logical order, and style— A. 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 : animal model

13 dialectal British : copy, image

14 obsolete : a set of plans for a building

model

verb

modeled or modelled; modeling or modelling\ ˈmäd-liŋ , ˈmä-dᵊl-iŋ

Definition of model (Entry 2 of 3)

transitive verb

1 : to construct or fashion in imitation of a particular model modeled its constitution on that of the U.S.

2a : 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.

model

adjective

Definition of model (Entry 3 of 3)

1 : serving as or capable of serving as a pattern a model student

2 : being a usually miniature representation of something a model airplane

Other Words from model Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More About model

Choose the Right Synonym for model

Noun

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 Also the return of the Holiday Village featuring visits with Santa, Animal Land, model trains and more. — Gege Reed, The Courier-Journal, 23 Nov. 2021 Repeating the formula used with the original Sixties-era Grifo, where Italian style met American Chevy V-8 muscle, the Iso Rivolta GT Zagato uses the running gear of the last-generation Corvette Z06, a model also known as the C7. — Howard Walker, Robb Report, 22 Nov. 2021 Whoever wins will take over a country in the grips of major change but uncertain of its future course after decades of centrist reforms that largely left untouched Pinochet's economic model. — The Associated. Press, Arkansas Online, 22 Nov. 2021 Friends and family of Christy Giles, a Los Angeles model whose lifeless body was dropped by masked men at a hospital last week, were set to gather on Sunday to remember the 24-year-old. — Adam Sabes, Fox News, 21 Nov. 2021 The first round of voting on Sunday upended the future of a centrist political system that over the last three decades made Chile a global model for free trade and a magnet for foreign investments while slashing poverty. — Ryan Dube, WSJ, 21 Nov. 2021 Its front fascia even appears to draw on some of the same styling cues as those of the Hyundai Staria van, a model the company does not sell in the United States. — Greg Fink, Car and Driver, 20 Nov. 2021 This model is made of a synthetic fabric that wicks moisture and dries quickly while also providing SPF 50 sun protection. — Matt Jancer, Wired, 20 Nov. 2021 Peng, 35, is the only Chinese tennis player to have attained a world No. 1 ranking, in women’s doubles, and she was once heralded by the Chinese government as a model athlete. — New York Times, 20 Nov. 2021 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb To bring that magic to life, Gucci cast big names — and frequent brand collaborators — to model the looks: Jared Leto, Jodie Turner-Smith, St. — Irina Grechko, refinery29.com, 4 Nov. 2021 On Wednesday, Kardashian, 42, and Fox, 35, teamed up to model new pieces from Kim Kardashian West's bestselling SKIMS Cotton collection and the racy photos left little to the imagination. — Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE.com, 23 Sep. 2021 The presence of outdoor cameras, Wetzel said, may have given police the opportunity to capture the suspects’ license plate number or car make or model. — cleveland, 22 Sep. 2021 According to McKinsey, transformations are five times more likely to be successful, when managers model the changes. — Forbes, 8 Nov. 2021 Now environmental groups and a growing number of researchers have called on the Forest Service to model itself more closely after its sister agency, the National Park Service. — San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Sep. 2021 This bout of Delta decision making in the dark could be a chance for caregivers to learn to live with uncertainty, and to model it for the generations who depend on us. — Robin Marantz Henig, The Atlantic, 26 Aug. 2021 The 2000s podcast, in which stylist Grace Coddington, photographer Annie Leibovitz, and model Natalia Vodianova discuss how the famous December 2003 Alice in Wonderland shoot came together. — Sam Sussman, Vogue, 16 Oct. 2021 The supermodel, 51, hasn't walked for the high-fashion label since McQueen's death in 2010, so her catwalk cameo more than a decade later to model designs from creative director Sarah Burton's new collection left the audience cheering. — Kaitlyn Frey, PEOPLE.com, 14 Oct. 2021 Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective Students said the graphic perpetuates ideas like the model minority myth, which claims that Asians are inherently successful and close to whiteness. — NBC News, 19 Nov. 2021 One family program, offered in partnership with the design collective Chicago Mobile Makers, will let participants build a model city that works for all people. — New York Times, 19 Oct. 2021 In the 1990s, the Disney Corporation developed the model suburb of Celebration in Osceola County. — Max Holleran, The New Republic, 10 Nov. 2021 Jonas Kaufmann is in many ways the model modern tenor. — Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2021 In Yukon territory, the 6.2-liter V-8 is now more widely available in the lineup, and the Sierra pickup—like the Chevy Silverado—is slated for a mid-model-year redo that will bring Super Cruise and a few still-secret changes. — Car and Driver, 15 Sep. 2021 This model operational environment can then be used to pick specific areas to demonstrate how peak business performance would be achieved. — Murthy Malapaka, Forbes, 8 Sep. 2021 Among the issues overdue for transformation is the model minority myth positioning every Asian as a triumphant high achiever against all odds. — Susan Galer, Forbes, 8 Sep. 2021 However, in this model corporate managers are often frustrated by a lack of choice, which can be exacerbated by partners who feel too confident, an absence of innovation or the value of service. — Przemek Berendt, Forbes, 31 Aug. 2021

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

Learn More About model

Dictionary Entries Near model

modecca flower

model

model basin

Statistics for model

Last Updated

24 Nov 2021

Cite this Entry

“Model.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/model. Accessed 29 Nov. 2021.

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More Definitions for model

model

noun

mod·el | \ ˈmä-dᵊl

Kids Definition of model

(Entry 1 of 3)

1 : a small but exact copy of a thing

2 : a pattern or figure of something to be made

3 : a person who sets a good example Their daughter is a model of politeness.

4 : a person who poses for an artist or photographer

5 : a person who wears and displays garments that are for sale

6 : a special type of a product Our car is a recent model.

model

adjective

Kids Definition of model (Entry 2 of 3)

1 : worthy of being imitated a model student

2 : being a miniature copy a model airplane

model

verb

modeled or modelled; modeling or modelling

Kids Definition of model (Entry 3 of 3)

1 : to plan or shape after a pattern This sports car is modeled on a racing car.

2 : to make a model of He learned how to model a dog in clay.

3 : to act or serve as a model She was asked to model for an artist.

Choose the Right Synonym for model

Noun

model, example, and ideal mean something that serves as guidance or imitation. model is used for a thing or person very worthy of imitation. That school system can be a model for the whole state. example usually means that the person, act, or conduct is likely to be copied, even though this may not always be a good thing. Parents are examples for their children. ideal is used for something, either real or imagined, considered to be the best of its kind that can exist. She is the ideal of beauty.

model

noun

mod·el | \ ˈmäd-ᵊl

Medical Definition of model

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : 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

transitive verb