sample

1 of 3

noun

sam·​ple ˈsam-pəl 

1

: a representative part or a single item from a larger whole or group especially when presented for inspection or shown as evidence of quality : specimen

2

: a finite part of a statistical population whose properties are studied to gain information about the whole

3

: an excerpt from a recording (such as a popular song by another performer) that is used in a musical composition, recording, or performance

… had to substantially rewrite "Sometimes I Miss You … " when he was denied permission to use a Michael Jackson sample …

—Jon Young

sample

2 of 3

verb

sampled; sampling ˈsam-p(ə-)liŋ 

transitive verb

1

: to take a sample of or from

especially : to judge the quality of by a sample : test

sampled his output for defects

sample a wine

2

: to use a segment of (recorded music, sounds, or dialogue from another source) as part of one's own musical composition or recording

A Josh Wink record takes a series of sampled noises, then twists and warps them through a barrage of sound processors …

—Frank Broughton

: to use a sample (see sample entry 1 sense 3) from (another recording or performer)

… claims Carey sampled his hit "I Want to Thank You" on her 1992 song "Make It Happen."

—Jancee Dunn

sample

3 of 3

adjective

: serving as an illustration or example

sample questions

Synonyms

Noun

• sampling

Verb

• test

Choose the Right Synonym for sample

instance, case, illustration, example, sample, specimen mean something that exhibits distinguishing characteristics in its category.

instance applies to any individual person, act, or thing that may be offered to illustrate or explain.

an instance of history repeating itself

case is used to direct attention to a real or assumed occurrence or situation that is to be considered, studied, or dealt with.

a case of mistaken identity

illustration applies to an instance offered as a means of clarifying or illuminating a general statement.

a telling illustration of Murphy's Law

example applies to a typical, representative, or illustrative instance or case.

a typical example of bureaucratic waste

sample implies a part or unit taken at random from a larger whole and so presumed to be typical of its qualities.

show us a sample of your work

specimen applies to any example or sample whether representative or merely existent and available.

one of the finest specimens of the jeweler's art

Examples of sample in a Sentence

Noun

We would like to see a sample of your work.

I tasted a sample of the new cereal.

Free samples were handed out at the store.

The sample included 96 women over the age of 40.

A random sample of people filled out the survey.

We looked at a representative sample of public schools.

Verb

She sampled everything the resort had to offer, from golfing to yoga.

A low percentage of the women sampled said that they smoked during pregnancy.

Five of the 20 schools sampled did not meet the standards.

Adjective

The teacher handed out a sample essay.

Here are some sample questions for the test.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Its assignment is to handle both a Mars Sample Return mission to return core samples of Mars to Earth, as well as future human Mars missions. —Leonard David, Space.com, 29 June 2025

After it is analyzed for isotopes, the blood sample will give her an even more recent snapshot of what the bird has been eating. —Madeline Bodin, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 June 2025

Verb

Then, sample the local culinary scene along New York Avenue and climb 228 steps to the top of the 19th-century Absecon Lighthouse, one of the country's oldest. —Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 29 June 2025

For $2 per tasting or $25 for a master ticket, visitors could sample and vote for their favorites. —Point Loma-Ob Monthly, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 June 2025

Adjective

Meanwhile, parents can bond over cosplay go-karting, sample Japanese whiskey, or relax in a traditional bathhouse or onsen. —Annabelle Canela, Parents, 14 Jan. 2025

But, again, this low value only records an increasing inequality of sub-sample size. —Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 8 June 2011

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French sample, essample, from Latin exemplum — more at example

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1767, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1820, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing sample

• sample space

Rhymes for sample

• ample
• trample
• counterexample
• example
• subsample
• hippocampal

Kids Definition

sample

1 of 2 noun

sam·​ple ˈsam-pəl 

1

: a part or thing that shows the quality of the whole or group

2

: a part (as a set of individuals chosen from a whole population) used for investigating the whole

sample

2 of 2 verb

sampled; sampling -p(ə-)liŋ 

: to judge the quality of by a sample

Medical Definition

sample

noun

sam·​ple ˈsam-pəl 

1

: a representative part or a single item from a larger whole or group especially when presented for inspection or shown as evidence of quality : specimen

a blood sample

2

: a finite part of a statistical population whose properties are studied to gain information about the whole