model

noun mod·el \ ˈmä-dᵊl \

|Updated on: 14 Jun 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

Several lines of evidence that strongly support the Big Bang model.

— dan falk /, NBC News, "What is the Big Bang theory?," 9 June 2018
Taking in the show, Jenner snapped the occasional picture of the models wearing the new collection.

— dave quinn, PEOPLE.com, "Kris Jenner Supports Khloé Kardashian After Tristan Thompson's Cheating Scandal: 'I Really Trust' Her," 9 June 2018
The plans for the F-35, the nation’s most expensive fighter jet in history, were taken more than a decade ago, and the Chinese model looks like an almost exact replica of its American inspiration.

— New York Times, "Chinese Hackers Steal Unclassified Data From Navy Contractor," 8 June 2018
Another survey by the restaurant point-of-sale software company Upserve found that 97 percent of servers prefer to be paid via the tipping model.

— mark kurlyandchik, Detroit Free Press, "A fight is brewing in Michigan over restaurant tips," 8 June 2018
The cities that have stuck with the original model have seen success.

— Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Implementation of mental health training plan for officers runs counter to recommendations," 8 June 2018
Kate Upton may not be from Houston, but since her and her husband, Astros pitcher Justin Verlander moved to the city, locals (particularly Astros fans) have a lot of reasons to like the former Playboy model.

— daniela sternitzky-di napoli, Houston Chronicle, "On her birthday: Reasons Astros fans should love Kate Upton," 8 June 2018
There’s been a steady flow of academics coming in, people coming down on Fulbright scholarships, academics coming from Europe, from Holland, from the U.K., all looking at the New Zealand model.

— Washington Post, "New Zealand sex worker advocate speaks about queen’s honor," 7 June 2018
The models dressed in Masayuki’s winning designs—a varsity jacket with clear sleeves, a graphic tee, track pants, a sunset-print shirt—were photographed at the ceremony in slide sandals.

— cam wolf, GQ, "Streetwear Labels Can’t Stop Winning Fancy Fashion Awards," 7 June 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

The stereotypical tattooed, carnivorous, proudly in-your-face, and often (but not always) male chef was modeled directly in his image.

— devra first, BostonGlobe.com, "Remembering Anthony Bourdain, the ‘bad-boy chef’ who was so much more," 8 June 2018
Aboah, who modeled alongside Kardashian West’s sister Kendall Jenner on Vogue‘s March 2017 issue, wrote in response to a heartfelt congrats from model Winnie Harlow.

— kaitlyn frey, PEOPLE.com, "Model Adwoa Aboah Slams Kim Kardashian's CFDA Influencer Award: 'She Is No Icon'," 7 June 2018
By taking away the swimsuit competition, Miss America is confirming to the world that there is no correlation between modeling in a swimsuit and receiving scholarships.

— kira kazantsev, Time, "'After #MeToo, Miss America Had to Change': A Former Winner on Saying Goodbye to the Swimsuit Competition," 6 June 2018
Following the appointment of new Everton manager Marco Silva, it has been reported that the Toffees were initially interested in Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone, as the club aim to model themselves after the La Liga giants.

— SI.com, "Report Claims Everton Wanted Diego Simeone as Club Aim to Become 'Atletico Madrid of PL'," 1 June 2018
She was introduced to her when Smalls modeled for an ad campaign in Jamaica.

— lisa lockwood | wwd, latimes.com, "Joan Smalls designs swimwear, intimate apparel for Smart & Sexy," 21 May 2018
Plus, turnout modeling for Democratic primaries in Georgia is an inexact science.

— matthew yglesias, Vox, "This week’s governor primaries in Georgia, explained," 21 May 2018
What was even more similar was the Givenchy dress Hepburn modeled for Irving Penn in 1964.

— erica gonzales, Harper's BAZAAR, "Meghan Markle Channeled Audrey Hepburn at the Royal Wedding," 19 May 2018
The artist certainly understands the importance of looks and appearance — Israel has modeled for major-name fashion brands like Yeezy, Telfar, Maria Ke Fisherman and more.

— stephen daw, Billboard, "Issa Israel Talks Creating Grungy, Messy 'Off the Hill' Video: 'My Feelings Aren't Polished and Manicured'," 3 May 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

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
Jamal, the petitioners argued, was the very sort of model citizen who should be allowed to remain in the country.

— the washington post, OregonLive.com, "Chemistry professor arrested by ICE on his front lawn won't be deported for now," 8 Feb. 2018
Ahead of its January 11th premiere on Lifetime, Yolanda Hadid reflects on raising three model children of her own, sharing family photos and stories with BAZAAR.com.

— harper's bazaar staff, Harper's BAZAAR, "Yolanda Hadid Shares Old Family Photos, Talks Raising Three Model Children," 11 Jan. 2018
The guiding principle was to be a model league so fantasy owners everywhere could see how the game is played at its highest level.

— steve gardner, USA TODAY, "Trade deadline ethics show differences between fantasy, reality," 5 Sep. 2017
But trainer John Benton's images tell a different story; his transformations highlight the exact number of inches his all-model clients lose on their hips and waist in mere weeks.

— jenna rosenstein, Harper's BAZAAR, "Why Models Are Flying To Texas To Shrink Their Hips And Waist," 24 Oct. 2017
Having heard about him, Karen Elson came to see one of his collections, liked it, and enlisted her model friends to walk for him.

— Vogue, "“Slightly Rebellious, Slightly Dreamy, Slightly Surreal”: See 3 Archival Olivier Theyskens Shows Before the Opening of His 20-Year Retrospective," 11 Oct. 2017

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