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 enjoys 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

Some of his models wore protective nylon rain veils; others donned synthetic ensembles in jelly-bean colors whose practical aspects were overshadowed by their decorative, feminine qualities. — Laird Borrelli-persson, Vogue, "Inspired by Craig Green’s Fall 2019 Lineup, a Look at Fantastic Plastics in Fashion," 7 Jan. 2019 Dish drawers can be a fantastic alternative to the full height models that tend to take up an entire bank of cabinetry. — Danielle Tullo, House Beautiful, "Why You Need Two Dishwashers In Your Kitchen," 14 Dec. 2018 Because the housing market has been steadily rising since iBuyers launched in 2014, their business model has yet to be tested in an environment where home prices are holding steady or even falling. — Jeff Andrews, Curbed, "Single-family rental companies turn to Opendoor, Offerpad for new inventory," 3 Dec. 2018 Boeing, for its part, can’t afford to have a cloud hanging over one of its biggest-selling models. — Barbara S. Peterson, Popular Mechanics, "If the Lion Air Jet Was "Unairworthy," Then Why Was It Allowed To Fly?," 29 Nov. 2018 Business of Fashion reported that Zhang Ziyi, Li Bingbing, Chen Kun, Wang Xiaoming, Donnie Yen cancelled their appearances; the China Bentley Modelling agency pulled its 24 models, per WWD. — Ana Colón, Glamour, "Everything You Need to Know About Dolce & Gabbana's Canceled Shanghai Fashion Show," 26 Nov. 2018 Today's list is headlined by a deal on the 32GB model of Apple's latest 9.7-inch iPad, which is down to $249 at Walmart and Amazon. — Ars Staff, Ars Technica, "Dealmaster: Take 24% off the latest 9.7-inch Apple iPad," 17 Dec. 2018 Though the Chill didn't feel as heavy as my regular BlanQuil―I tried the 15 lb model of each―I was able to quickly fall asleep and stay that way through the night. — Alyssa Fiorentino, House Beautiful, "Hot Sleepers Rejoice! A Cooling Weighted Blanket Is Finally Here," 11 Dec. 2018 Here are our favorites, including the Instant Pot model that's garnered nearly 30,000 Amazon reviews. — Taysha Murtaugh, Country Living, "16 Best Slow Cookers That Do All the Hard Work for You," 1 Nov. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Leon has a soft spot for noughties style, and has booked several modeling gigs that recall the era. — Vogue, "Lourdes Leon Hits the Beach in Complete Noughties Fashion," 8 Jan. 2019 In the years since, she's done commercials, PSAs, short films, and worked modeling gigs at other award shows, but this is by far the biggest exposure. — Jessica Radloff, Glamour, "'Fiji Water Girl' Kelleth Cuthbert Tells Us: 'This Is Something I Would Go Viral For'," 7 Jan. 2019 The results are similar to those published in Nature Energy in the beginning of 2017, although that study looked at a narrower region (99 homes in Texas) and modeled different battery software configurations. — Megan Geuss, Ars Technica, "Under current policies, residential batteries increase emissions in most cases," 28 Dec. 2018 Supposedly modeled from Marie Antoinette's breast (there's no evidence that this is actually true), the coupe has a kitschy appeal that's equal parts Gatsby-elegant and mid-century mod. — Lauren Hubbard, Town & Country, "Everything You Need to Know About Brut Champagne," 21 Dec. 2018 As airlines worldwide continue to struggle, more are moving toward the ultra-basic amenities model to cut costs. — Aditi Shrikant, Vox, "Spirit Airlines is the most on-time airline in America. Here’s why.," 17 Dec. 2018 The look was worn by Amber Valetta, who also modeled the original design on the runway back in 1999 before it was made famous by JLo. — Lauren Alexis Fisher, Harper's BAZAAR, "Versace Recreated Two of Its Most Iconic Red Carpet Dresses on the Runway," 3 Dec. 2018 Pokémon: Let’s Go is modeled after Pokémon Yellow; the game is set in the series’s original region, Kanto, with the first 151 pokémon. — Megan Farokhmanesh, The Verge, "How the hell do you say Eevee’s name?," 17 Nov. 2018 Behati took a hiatus from modeling during her two pregnancies. — Marie Milano, Country Living, "Adam Levine and His Wife Behati Prinsloo's Love Story Is Sweeter Than a Maroon 5 Song," 3 Nov. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

Today, the French fashion house presented its latest collection at Paris Couture Week with a model lineup of giant life-size dolls that stole the show. — Lauren Alexis Fisher, Harper's BAZAAR, "Life-Size Dolls Walked The Runway At Viktor & Rolf," 5 July 2017 More model news: Now check out 100 years of beauty icons: Follow Allure on Instagram and Twitter, or subscribe to our newsletter for daily beauty stories delivered right to your inbox. — Andrea Park, Allure, "Andie MacDowell, 60, Made Her Triumphant Return to the Runway," 1 Oct. 2018 Canup is one of the leading scientists using large-scale simulations to model planet-scale collisions like the one thought to have formed Earth's own moon. — Nola Taylor Redd, Space.com, "Giant Impact May Have Created Mars' Moons," 18 Apr. 2018 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

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

10 Jan 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