model

play

noun mod·el \ ˈmä-dᵊl \

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

Peer into the future of the Pac-12 Networks: Should the conference hold tight to the current model, sell equity, eliminate the regional feeds (or something else)?

— jon wilner, The Seattle Times, "‘Something has to change’: Here’s what media analysts think of the Pac-12 Networks," 29 Aug. 2017
Hart describes the difficulty of finding good role models in sports for her boys, citing the downfall of Tiger Woods.

— matt zenitz, AL.com, "5 Alabama players named preseason AP All-Americans," 22 Aug. 2017
A model of Ben Barres’ brain sits on the windowsill behind his desk at Stanford University School of Medicine.

— kenneth miller, Discover Magazine, "The Brain of Ben Barres," 21 Aug. 2017
Below are illustrations of the cloud cover that these models are predicting as of Saturday.

— matt rogers, Washington Post, "Total solar eclipse weather forecast as of Aug. 19," 19 Aug. 2017
There is a stronger sense of control behind the wheel, not that the previous model felt flimsy.

— mark maynard, sandiegouniontribune.com, "2017 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring," 18 Aug. 2017
Some developers, though, are repurposing gas stations—usually older versions that offer a bit more charm—as a cheaper alternative to the knock-down-and-rebuild model.

— neal broverman, Los Angeles Magazine, "Developers Have Uncovered a Brilliant Use for LA’s Old Gas Stations," 16 Aug. 2017
Before her start in politics at the age of 26, Hicks was a model and actress, and worked for the PR firm Hiltzik Strategies before joining the Trump administration.

— chanel vargas, Cosmopolitan, "Hope Hicks Has Been Named President Trump's Interim Communications Director," 16 Aug. 2017
CBO officials based their estimates on a model in which the administration continues the payments through this year but tells insurers by the end of this month that the subsidies would be discontinued in 2018.

— phil galewitz, Kaiser Health News, "CBO: Killing Cost-Sharing Subsidies Would Hike Silver Plan Premiums And Deficit," 15 Aug. 2017

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

See Words from the same year

model Synonyms

Synonyms

miniature

Related Words

carbon, carbon copy, clone, copy, dummy, dupe, duplicate, duplication, facsimile, imitation, mock, reduplication, replica, replication, reproduction; dwarf, midget, mini, pocket edition, pygmy (also pigmy)

Near Antonyms

archetype, original, prototype; blowup, enlargement

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

One 2014 study based on modeling animal movement found that increasing vehicle density on existing roads, rather than adding more roads with lower density, resulted in fewer wildlife fatalities.

— gemma tarlach, Discover Magazine, "20 Things You Didn't Know About ... Traffic," 7 Aug. 2017
The paint scheme, which features a red body, black roof and posts and black stripes down both sides of the car, is clearly modeled after his former No.

— cheryl wray, AL.com, "Watch Dale Earnhardt Jr. unveil his final NASCAR race car design," 3 Aug. 2017
But the outgoing White House press secretary already appears to be modeling his post-breakup career after Lewandowski's, showering the president with compliments on his way out the door.

— callum borchers, Washington Post, "America needs Sean Spicer on ‘Dancing With the Stars’," 27 July 2017
This one comes courtesy of John Romero, who wrote about the original and iconic Doom cover on his blog—specifically, about who modeled for the strapping young man facing down demons.

— hayden dingman, PCWorld, "This week in games: Call of Duty WWII's spooky zombies, Doom Guy identity revealed, and more," 21 July 2017
At both Disneyland and Disney World, the Magic Kingdom’s Main Street is modeled after Marceline.

— jacob gedetsis, kansascity, "This iconic bit of Kansas City history will move in to Walt Disney World," 19 July 2017
The JCCMG & ArtsFest is the second largest organized sports program for Jewish teens in the world, featuring athletic competitions for teens age 13-16 modeled after The Olympic Games, beginning in 1982.

— marvin glassman, Jewish Journal, "Broward athletes to compete in JCC Maccabi Games & ArtsFest," 18 July 2017
Modeled after Japan’s stand-up ramen bars, executive chef and owner Junya Watanabe’s menu will offer quick bowls and bites as well as selections from his sister shop Pokiritto.

— carolina gusman, sandiegouniontribune.com, "San Diego restaurants set the pace with Opening Day menus, libations," 12 July 2017
Smith models his game after others in the league, and has a particular fondness for Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook.

— drew davison, star-telegram, "9 things to know about Mavericks rookie guard Dennis Smith Jr.," 28 June 2017

Origin and Etymology of model

see ¹model

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1613

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

One single family home has been pre-sold and construction on a model single family home is almost complete.

— mark lawton, chicagotribune.com, "The year of the crane: Lake Forest home to a number of construction projects," 22 Aug. 2017
For more model makeup: Now, find out what supermodel Ashley Graham keeps stashed in her makeup bag:

— macaela mackenzie, Allure, "Claudia Schiffer Is Launching a Makeup Collection With Artdeco Cosmetics," 11 Aug. 2017
Also in South County at The Village of Escaya, Sierra and Seville will release phases early next month, and construction will start on a model home complex for Strata.

— pat setter, sandiegouniontribune.com, "New-home communities making a splash this summer," 29 July 2017
The Minnesota company is recalling all model year 2015 through 2017 youth RZR 170 ROVs, which have two seats and were sold in red, blue and white.

— lucy berry, AL.com, "Polaris recalls more off-highway vehicles for fuel leak, fire hazards," 25 July 2017
Early Model 3 customers can choose the car’s color and wheel size.

— hamza shaban, Washington Post, "Tesla’s Model 3, its mass-market car, expected to roll off factory floor Friday," 3 July 2017
Early Model 3 customers can choose the car's color and wheel size.

— hamza shaban, courant.com, "Cheaper Tesla Cars Will Roll Off Assembly Line This Week," 3 July 2017
Model homes being built in Barrington Estates in Aurora will be featured in various stages of construction.

— jill sell, cleveland.com, "HBA 2017 Parade of Homes begins today," 3 June 2017
Digg’s most recent shot is a pic of he and model girlfriend Amanza Smith Brown.

— dave quinn, PEOPLE.com, "Taye Diggs Shows Off His Bare Butt in Revealing Instagram Pic," 27 May 2017

First Known Use of model

1831

model Synonyms

MODEL Defined for English Language Learners

model

play

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

play

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

play

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