model

noun mod·el \ ˈmä-dᵊl \

|Updated on: 9 Aug 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: model in a Sentence

Definition of model

1 obsolete : a set of plans for a building

2 dialectal British : copy, image

3 : structural design

a home on the model of an old farmhouse

4 : a usually miniature representation of something

a plastic model of the human heart

; also : a pattern of something to be made

5 : an example for imitation or emulation

his written addresses are models of clearness, logical order, and style
—A. B. Noble

6 : 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.

7 : archetype

8 : an organism whose appearance a mimic imitates

9 : one who is employed to display clothes or other merchandise

has appeared as a model in ads for swimsuits

10 a : a type or design of clothing

girls, self-conscious in their Paris models
—Paul Bowles

b : a type or design of product (such as a car)

offers eight new models for next year, including a completely restyled convertible

11 : a description or analogy used to help visualize something (such as an atom) that cannot be directly observed

12 : 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 3a) based on such a system

climate models

13 : version 2

an experimental model of a bionic arm

14 : animal model

See model defined for English-language learners

See model defined for kids

Examples of model in a Sentence

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.

Recent Examples of model from the Web

The neon beauty look, while rampant on fall runways, is the antithesis of top-model polish.

— kate branch, Vogue, "This DJ Sister Act Is the Only Beauty Inspiration You Need This Summer," 12 July 2018
The popular Ring doorbells range from the basic, entry-level model at $99 to its professional-grade one for $499.

— diane cowen, San Antonio Express-News, "Home security is more affordable — and better —than ever," 12 July 2018
In response, and with an unspoken nod to Amartya Sen, John Rawls and Nordic welfare models, Mr Macron reiterated his core beliefs.

— The Economist, "Emmanuel Macron’s popularity hits a new low," 12 July 2018
The updates are coming to two laptop models: the $2,399 15-inch MacBook Pro and the $1,799 13-inch MacBook Pro.

— lauren goode, WIRED, "Apple's MacBook Pros Get Faster Chips, New Keyboards (Kinda)," 12 July 2018
The various models for neutrino emission from blazars, developed in blissful theoretical isolation, have now had their first encounter with real data, and none can explain the exact details seen.

— mark bowen, Scientific American, "Neutrinos on Ice: Astronomers' Long Hunt for Source of Extragalactic "Ghost Particles" Pays Off," 12 July 2018
Manchester City and Juventus are two clubs who are building similar models, with City having up to 28 players on loan at any one time over recent years.

— SI.com, "The Winning Way: Why More Top European Clubs Should Adopt Chelsea's Much Debated Loan Policy," 12 July 2018
Denise Bidot is a mother, model, and body-positivity advocate.

— kathleen hou, The Cut, "How Model Denise Bidot Gets Glowy, Non-Puffy Skin," 11 July 2018
The group's members are all immensely stylish and have served as models for numerous high-end fashion brands, with each of the women bringing her own distinct vibe to the mix. 4.

— tamar herman, Billboard, "10 Things to Know About BLACKPINK," 11 July 2018

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.

Origin and Etymology of model

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1570

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

model Synonyms

Synonyms

beau ideal, classic, exemplar, idea, ideal, nonesuch, nonpareil, paragon;

Related Words

role model;

embodiment, epitome, incarnation, manifestation, personification;

archetype, example, mirror, paradigm, pattern;

guideline, principle, rule;

gauge (also gage), standard, touchstone;

essence, quintessence;

acme, apex, apotheosis, culmination, peak, pinnacle, summit, zenith;

Synonym Discussion of 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

model

verb

Definition of model

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

transitive verb

1 : to plan or form after a pattern : shape

legislative institutions primarily modeled on the English pattern

2 archaic : to make into an organization (such as an army, government, or parish)

3 a : to shape or fashion in a plastic material

modeling figures from clay

b : to produce a representation or simulation (see simulation 3a) of

using a computer to model a problem

4 : to construct or fashion in imitation of a particular model

modeled its constitution on that of the U.S.

5 : to display by wearing, using, or posing with

modeled gowns

intransitive verb

1 : to design or imitate forms : make a pattern

enjoys modeling in clay

2 : to work or act as a fashion or art model

Each contestant modeled in front of the judges.

—

modeler

or less commonly modeller \ˈmäd-lər, ˈmä-dᵊl-ər\ noun

See model defined for English-language learners

Examples of model in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of model from the Web

With an absence of middle managers or inexpert input, Renault Sport can take a good idea from the CATIA V5 3D modeling suite and test it out in the real world on a remarkably short timeline.

— vlad savov, The Verge, "In Formula 1, you have to be amazing just to be average," 26 June 2018
What developed into the Trump administration's current approach is modeled after Operation Streamline, a program started by the Bush administration in 2005.

— CBS News, "Separating families at the border: How we got here," 18 June 2018
Antonio Busalacchi, president of the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, which runs NCAR, said one way to make better predictions is to increase computer modeling power.

— john fialka, Scientific American, "Run or Hide? Forecasters Struggle with Warnings as Disasters Change," 4 June 2018
The researchers also commissioned a microsimulation modeling study involving a model called MISCAN, which simulates colorectal cancer incidence and mortality and estimates risk factors and the impact of screening and treatment practices.

— jacqueline howard, CNN, "Colon and rectal cancer screenings should start at 45, new guidelines say," 30 May 2018
The launch party, which took place in Brooklyn, New York, Thursday night, featured holograms of Rihanna modeling the merchandise.

— ashley hoffman, Time, "Rihanna's Inclusive Lingerie Collection Is Here and It's Making People Emotional," 11 May 2018
The bad gal singer took to social media for the big reveal, dropping an Instagram post that featured Rihanna modeling one of the line’s boudoir pieces, a sheer pink floral bodysuit.

— refinery29.com, "Rihanna's Savage X Fenty Lingerie Line Is Here For Women Of All Sizes," 29 Apr. 2018
Italian retailer Yamamay unveiled their Sculpt swimwear collection for summer 2018 on Instagram Thursday, which featured the Sports Illustrated cover girl modeling curve-hugging bikinis and one-pieces.

— stephanie nolasco, Fox News, "Kate Upton stuns in new swimwear photoshoot for Yamamay's summer collection," 20 Apr. 2018
The series of portraits also marks the fashion modeling debut of Ava Philippe, the 18-year-old daughter of Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Philippe.

— lauren alexis fisher, Harper's BAZAAR, "Kirsten Dunst Confirms Her Pregnancy in Rodarte's Fall 2018 Lookbook, As One Does," 30 Jan. 2018

Origin and Etymology of model

see ¹model

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1613

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

See Words from the same year

model

adjective

Definition of model

1 : serving as or capable of serving as a pattern

a model student

2 : being a usually miniature representation of something

a model airplane

See model defined for English-language learners

Examples of model in a Sentence

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 of model from the Web

Apple set the model ten years ago with the iOS app store, a well-manicured software ecosystem that’s far-reaching enough to draw in developers and controlled enough to keep out junk.

— russell brandom, The Verge, "Will third-party plugins survive the tech backlash?," 6 July 2018
In the Porter House, there will be a model railroad display by Poway Station and a model train display from the Motor Men.

— emily sorensen, Pomerado News, "Old-Fashioned Fourth of July offers patriotic fun," 29 June 2018
After the Birth of Her Son At the end of the day, the stunning space for DJ represents the design visions of both the singer and her model husband, 26.

— melody chiu, PEOPLE.com, "Jordin Sparks' Designer (and Cousin!) Opens Up About the Singer's 'Timeless and Classy' Nursery," 29 June 2018
Former Liverpool defender John Arne Riise took his job very seriously, and was always a model professional.

— SI.com, "WATCH: Ex-Liverpool Star John Arne Riise Tries Beer for the First Time & His Reaction Is Priceless," 18 June 2018
Here’s what a model school district policy on suicide prevention looks like, according to the program: Protecting the health and well-being of all students is of utmost importance to the school district.

— valerie strauss, Washington Post, "Suicide: How schools should approach the subject with students," 8 June 2018
Spears' model beau Sam Asghari just couldn't wait until Wednesday.

— abby jones, Billboard, "Britney Spears' Boyfriend Shares Adorable 'Woman Crush Everyday' Post," 4 Apr. 2018
The researchers have helped model resource management and other processes in smart cities powered by artificial intelligence.

— mara hvistendahl, Science | AAAS, "A revered rocket scientist set in motion China’s mass surveillance of its citizens," 14 Mar. 2018
But Swift’s squad sparked some heated controversy for being all white and model perfect.

— kayleen schaefer, Glamour, "Female Friendships Are More Crucial Than Ever—So Why Do We Still Love a Catfight?," 13 Feb. 2018

First Known Use of model

1831

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

model Synonyms

MODEL Defined for English Language Learners

model

noun

Definition of model for English Language Learners

: a usually small copy of something
: a particular type or version of a product (such as a car or computer)
: a set of ideas and numbers that describe the past, present, or future state of something (such as an economy or a business)

model

verb

Definition of model for English Language Learners

: to design (something) so that it is similar to something else
: to make a small copy of (something) : to create a model of (something)
: to make something by forming or shaping clay or some other material

model

adjective

Definition of model for English Language Learners

: deserving to be copied by others : very good or excellent
—used to describe something that is a small copy of something larger

MODEL Defined for Kids

model

noun mod·el \ ˈmä-dᵊl \

Definition of model for Students

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.

Synonym Discussion of model

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

adjective

Definition of model for Students

1 : worthy of being imitated

a model student

2 : being a miniature copy

a model airplane

model

verb

Definition of model for Students

modeled or modelled; modeling or modelling

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.

Medical Dictionary

model

noun mod·el \ ˈmäd-ᵊl \

medical Definition of model

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