model

noun

mod·el | \ ˈmä-dᵊl

Definition of model

(Entry 1 of 3)

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

10a : 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 sense 3a) based on such a system climate models

13 : version sense 2 an experimental model of a bionic arm

14 : animal model

model

verb

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

Definition of model (Entry 2 of 3)

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)

3a : 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

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 The students are modeling in clay.

2 : to work or act as a fashion or art model Each contestant modeled in front of the judges.

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

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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

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.

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

Along the way, scientists have developed the ability to convert stem cells into small, rudimentary, 3-dimensional models of human tissue. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "UCSD to send ‘mini-brains’ to International Space Station for neural disease research," 7 July 2019 Some franchises suffer under this model, the latest example being the Oklahoma City Thunder, who acquiesced to George’s trade demands a year after signing him to a maximum-salary contract. — Dylan Hernandez, latimes.com, "Kawhi Leonard played NBA's free-agency game to perfection," 7 July 2019 The American model, which just underwent a massive upgrade, takes a somewhat different tack. — Gene Norman, CNN, "Tropical system may be forming in the Gulf," 7 July 2019 The new Explorer dropped about 200 pounds versus the old model, despite offering many new features. — Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, "Why Ford walked away from all-aluminum bodies for new 2020 Explorer," 6 July 2019 This is Vizio’s flagship model, with 384 local dimming zones and impressive 3,000 nit peak brightness. — Cameron Faulkner, The Verge, "4K TVs from LG, Vizio, and Sony dominate this week’s best deals," 6 July 2019 This is the economic model that electricity companies use, too. — Dallas News, "One year after its merger, AT&T keeps raising its fees, slowly but surely," 5 July 2019 The twenty-six-year-old model, social activist, and fashion designer has joined forces with the Daily Paper to create a capsule collection in partnership with her very own brand LAPP. — James Love, Essence, "Leomie Anderson and Daily Paper Join Forces to Empower Women For Their Debut Collaboration," 3 July 2019 And speaking of plus models, this year the Galaxy Note 10 will come in two sizes. — Ron Amadeo, Ars Technica, "The Galaxy Note 10 launches August 7," 2 July 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

The club is still modeling price points for tickets in 2021 and hasn't settled on prices, Smith said. — Pat Brennan, Cincinnati.com, "Why FC Cincinnati is ending general admission seating for the 2020 MLS season at Nippert," 2 July 2019 Images of the 2019/20 Manchester United away kit have been leaked, with promotional images showing Paul Pogba modelling the brand new shirt. — SI.com, "Manchester United Kit 2019/20: Leaked Images Show Paul Pogba Modelling Brand New Away Shirt," 29 June 2019 This sweet story for children 3 and older is another in publisher Emilie Buchwald’s Gryphon Press books celebrating the human-and-animal bond and modeling compassion and empathy for all living beings. — Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, "After fun in the sun, settle in with one of these good reads for little ones," 23 June 2019 These differences would affect how redistricting lines are drawn, in ways political scientists have not yet thoroughly modeled. — Emily Badger, New York Times, "People Who Can’t Vote Still Count Politically in America. What if That Changes?," 22 June 2019 The 6-foot-6 small forward was widely considered the steal of the draft being picked at 25, and models his game after Kawhi Leonard. — oregonlive.com, "In Nassir Little, the Portland Trail Blazers drafted ‘the best player available’ with a ‘tremendous ceiling’," 21 June 2019 Major, and other locals in modeling the uniforms during an event in downtown Huntsville’s Big Spring Park. — Ashley Remkus | Aremkus@al.com, al.com, "Rocket City Trash Pandas unveil baseball uniforms," 20 June 2019 Ashley Graham X Swimsuits For All Heiress Bikini Supermodel Ashley Graham has teamed up with the bathing suit brand Swimsuits for All to design and model a super-chic collection of plus-size swimwear. — Locke Hughes, NBC News, "The best plus-size bathing suits for summer 2019," 8 June 2019 Scientists use it to produce mice that model how the human immune system works. — Lauran Neergaard, The Denver Post, "White House ends fetal tissue research by federal scientists," 5 June 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

For the wonks, meanwhile, there’d be model legislation to expand and incentivize employee ownership throughout the economy. — John Case, The New Republic, "An Economy in Waiting," 8 July 2019 The recall includes Fisher-Price play yard model numbers CBV60, CHP86, CHR06, CJK24 and DJD11. — Sarah Min, CBS News, "Fisher-Price recalls 71,000 more inclined infant sleepers," 27 June 2019 There will be model railroad and train displays in the Porter House, and Templars Hall will host a quilt display and an organ grinder. — Emily Sorensen, Pomerado News, "Poway Fourth of July festivities include Old Poway Park events, fireworks at Poway High," 26 June 2019 The research into those bills is part of a larger investigation by the center and USA TODAY of how model legislation is being deployed in statehouses nationwide. — USA TODAY, "Bills supporting religion-based rejection turning parents away from adoption agencies," 10 June 2019 For most model year 2019 Chevrolet and all model year 2019 Buick, GMC and Cadillac models, the vehicle will automatically shut down in park at 20 minutes without the fob present and one hour with the fob in the vehicle. — Jamie L. Lareau, Detroit Free Press, "His keyless car killed him while he slept. New legislation could save others," 14 June 2019 In recent years, until 2018, Nissan had been more profitable than Renault, with a solid reputation for quality and innovation and strong model lineup that includes the March subcompact, Leaf electric car and Infiniti luxury models. — Washington Post, "Nissan odd man out in partner Renault’s FCA merger decision," 3 June 2019 This summer’s events include a Guinness World Record attempt to launch 5,000 model rockets simultaneously on July 16, and the Moon Landing Concert on July 20. — Kimberley Lovato, National Geographic, "These 6 space centers are celebrating the moonwalk’s 50th anniversary," 13 May 2019 Men, women, families, all generations can come and enter this model world for a day, have a fun shopping experience, and an eventful meal. — Nicole Saunders, Harper's BAZAAR, "Tyra Banks Is Bringing a 21,000 Square-Foot Amusement Park to Los Angeles," 5 Feb. 2019

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.

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Dictionary Entries near model

Statistics for model

Last Updated

11 Jul 2019

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for model

The first known use of model was in 1570

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More Definitions for model

model

noun

English Language Learners Definition of model

(Entry 1 of 3)

: 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

English Language Learners Definition of model (Entry 2 of 3)

: 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

English Language Learners Definition of model (Entry 3 of 3)

: deserving to be copied by others : very good or excellent

—used to describe something that is a small copy of something larger

See the full definition for model in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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.

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