model

noun mod·el \ ˈmä-dᵊl \

Updated on: 21 Apr 2018

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

Police described the car as a green or gray older-model Dodge Challenger or Charger.

— bree burkitt, azcentral, "Glendale police: 1 shot in apparent road-rage incident," 15 Apr. 2018
Defenders of the old disciplinary model, including Betsy DeVos, the education secretary, think that the pendulum has swung too far and is harming school safety.

— The Economist, "Tough love falls out of fashion in America’s schools," 14 Apr. 2018
Beckham was spotted earlier this week K-I-S-S-I-N-G a 20-year-old model named Lexi Wood.

— allie jones, The Cut, "What’s Going On With Khloé Kardashian and Tristan Thompson?," 11 Apr. 2018
The woman at the bar has been identified as 28-year-old Instagram model and Bronx, New York native Lani Blair.

— noelle devoe, Seventeen, "Is This the Mystery Model Tristan Thompson Was Caught Cheating on Khloe Kardashian With?," 11 Apr. 2018
The first video, published by the Daily Mail, appears to show Thompson kissing a mystery woman later identified as 28-year-old model, Lani Blair, by Page Six.

— kayleigh roberts, Marie Claire, "The Kardashians Are Reportedly "Rallying Around" Khloé in Light of Tristan Thompson's Infidelity," 11 Apr. 2018
In a new interview with InStyle, the 20-year-old model sat down with Katie Couric to talk about diversity in the beauty industry, and how she's found success and happiness by staying true to herself.

— zoë weiner, Teen Vogue, "Model Halima Aden Talks About Makeup and Diversity in Beauty," 11 Apr. 2018
The group has become active since January when police killed a 27-year-old aspiring model from the tribes, Naqeeb Ullah, in Karachi, the capital of Sindh province.

— Washington Post, "Pakistan tribesmen rally against security forces in Peshawar," 8 Apr. 2018
Nettles, who was wearing a khaki jacket and gray T-shirt, fled in a red, older-model SUV.

— laura mcknight, NOLA.com, "Man threatened cashier with machete after cutting the line: NOPD," 4 Apr. 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

Cummings and Warren are proposing a program — modeled off 1990’s Ryan White Act, which provided billions in federal money to combat the AIDS crisis — to address the drug overdoses which are claiming lives in record numbers.

— luke broadwater, baltimoresun.com, "Maryland Rep. Elijah Cummings, Sen. Elizabeth Warren plan sweeping legislation to combat opioid crisis," 17 Apr. 2018
One of two Meissen-porcelain figure groups emblematic of air and fire, modeled by J. J. Kändler, circa 1745.

— wendy goodman, The Cut, "The Rockefeller Knickknacks," 15 Apr. 2018
So modeling the 76ers might not be the cure some think.

— rick bonnell, charlotteobserver, "Trade Howard? Pursue Leonard? Start Monk? What will Hornets do? Here are your answers | Charlotte Observer," 14 Apr. 2018
In fact, the two have joined forces before to create a gorgeous highlighter palette that Teigen herself modeled at the 2017 Met Gala.

— rosemary donahue, Allure, "Chrissy Teigen Is Collaborating With Becca Again and Just Shared a Sneak Peak," 14 Apr. 2018
But one of the disheartening revelations of Kondabolu’s documentary is that Azaria modeled his accent off The Party.

— jeet heer, The New Republic, "My Epiphany About the Problem With Apu," 14 Apr. 2018
One floor up, Alyssa Williamson, 17, of Liberty modeled her black gown in her hospital room.

— cynthia billhartz gregorian, kansascity, "Teens put on gowns and tuxes and get a night to forget their troubles at special prom | The Kansas City Star," 13 Apr. 2018
Event chair Ashley Smither Langley put her art where gown is, modeling a look from fashion designer Rene Garza's Impermanent Flora, zero-waste collection inspired by the Amazon.

— amber elliott, Houston Chronicle, "Art patrons score four-course dinner, two Broadway performances and Southwest Airlines swag," 12 Apr. 2018
Members of Ladies Living History Society of Greater Cincinnati informally model authentic 1800s dresses and discuss styles of clothing popular during Civil War period.

— luann gibbs, Cincinnati.com, "Fun and free events in Cincinnati this weekend: April 13-15," 11 Apr. 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