sample

noun sam·ple \ ˈsam-pəl \

|Updated on: 3 Aug 2018

Definition of sample

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

See sample defined for English-language learners

See sample defined for kids

Examples of sample in a Sentence

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.

Recent Examples of sample from the Web

For example, my current derm, Michele Farber, M.D., of Schweiger Dermatology in New York City, pushes drugstore-staple CeraVe samples on me after every visit.

— rachel jacoby zoldan, SELF, "The 9 Best Skin-Care Tips I’ve Learned in 10 Years of Being a Beauty Editor," 13 July 2018
There’s something so nice about getting a freshly made, freshly scooped cup of Gelato Fiasco’s creative concoctions, however — especially with the option to sample.

— lauren delgado, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Take a break from steamy summer with cool, creamy gelato," 12 July 2018
Brands like Sephora, L'Oreal, and Target have all utilized similar technology on their own sites, and mobile apps like ModiFace and YouCam Makeup allow users to sample full makeup looks at the tap of a button.

— zoë weiner, Teen Vogue, "Facebook to Launch New Makeup Augmented Reality Feature," 11 July 2018
To confirm this, the Swagelok Center put our samples under an electron microscope, which nicely shows how densely packed the resulting mesh is.

— lee hutchinson, Ars Technica, "The Internet-demanded, partially scientific testing of Ultra-Ever Dry (in HD!)," 4 July 2018
Now, the team onboard the ship is sifting through their samples, looking for evidence of the meteorite and are currently livestreaming the results.

— jason daley, Smithsonian, "A Research Ship Is Hunting Meteorite Fragments Off the Coast of Washington," 4 July 2018
Three people in our sample reported running for political office in the past year; all three were active members of a group in the organizing coalition.

— dana r. fisher, Washington Post, "Who came out in the brutal heat to the Families Belong Together March? Here’s our data.," 3 July 2018
Compared to this poll, our sample leans about 13 points more Democratic than the general population.

— jared mcdonald, candace turitto, Vox, "Honesty first: how to make politicians pay for lying," 2 July 2018
Over the next year and a half, Hayabusa-2 will study Ryugu in detail, collecting scientific data on the asteroid before finally landing and collecting its sample in 2019.

— avery thompson, Popular Mechanics, "Japanese Sample Return Spacecraft Reaches Target Asteroid," 27 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sample.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of sample

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

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First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

sample Synonyms

Synonyms

case, example, exemplar, illustration, instance, prototype, representative, specimen;

cross section, microcosm;

evidence, indication, manifestation, sign;

Phrases

case in point;

Synonym Discussion of 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

Other Audio Recording Terms

baffle, dub, fidelity, transcription, treble

sample

verb

Definition of sample

sampled; sampling play \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 ¹sample 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

See sample defined for English-language learners

Examples of sample in a Sentence

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.

Recent Examples of sample from the Web

In this November 2010 photo provided by the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, researchers examine the body of a frozen hunter known as Oetzi the Iceman to sample his stomach contents in Bolzano, Italy.

— NBC News, "Insides of ancient 'Iceman' shows signs of a well-balanced last meal," 12 July 2018
Now is a fine time to sample some of the latest classical music CDs as the live performance schedule slows for the summer.

— patrick neas, kansascity, "These CDs will carry classical music lovers through the summer," 25 June 2018
What Will Santa Claus Say? is sampled throughout 4th Dimension.

— matthew wilson, USA TODAY, "The top 10 pop culture references in Kanye West and Kid Cudi's new album, 'Kids See Ghosts'," 8 June 2018
In addition, researchers vacuumed 15 nests to sample the insects and arachnids nearby.

— laura yan, Popular Mechanics, "Science Says Your Bed Is Dirtier Than a Chimpanzee's," 19 May 2018
And on this Thursday, before the chocolate pies were sampled, visitors had the opportunity to taste chicken noodle soup, roasted potatoes, spicy chicken wings, Spanish rice, and other impressive homemade dishes.

— sue ellen ross, Post-Tribune, "Piemakers duke it out at gallery event," 1 Mar. 2018
Its name was on race bibs, and its product was widely sampled.

— beth bragg, Anchorage Daily News, "40 years ago, skiers froze their eyeballs (and some brain cells) when the national championships came to Kincaid Park," 8 Jan. 2018
This tour includes sampling street food and browsing local markets.

— phil marty, chicagotribune.com, "Adventures in vegan eating, a Canadian bucket list and more," 13 July 2018
They are harvested over several days, with growers regularly sampling the fruits to ensure the correct ripeness.

— jo ellen meyers sharp, Indianapolis Star, "The Hoosier Gardener: Trip to Bordeaux wine country is an educational experience," 13 July 2018

First Known Use of sample

1767

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

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sample Synonyms

Synonyms

test, try (out);

resample, retest;

Other Audio Recording Terms

baffle, dub, fidelity, transcription, treble

sample

adjective

Definition of sample

: serving as an illustration or example

sample questions

See sample defined for English-language learners

Examples of sample in a Sentence

The teacher handed out a sample essay.
Here are some sample questions for the test.

Recent Examples of sample from the Web

Guests sample 5 rare sour & funky beers from Rhinegeist cellars, including newest sour ale of dark descent.

— rasputin todd, Cincinnati.com, "Things to do in Cincinnati this week: June 18-24," 18 June 2018
Though not sample size, Dixon is neither a waif or a plus-size bombshell.

— janelle okwodu, Vogue, "Miu Miu’s Newest Beauty Is a Rule-Breaking Nerd From Florida," 7 Mar. 2018
Guests sample Greek food at a previous ethnic food event put on by the Aurora Historical Society.

— joy davis, Aurora Beacon-News, "Aurora event to celebrate city's ethnic food traditions," 19 Apr. 2018
While in Zoar, take a tour of town, sample German-style meatloaf at the Canal Tavern or go antiquing at the Cobbler Shop Bed & Breakfast.

— lauren johnson and jesse sparks, Smithsonian, "The 20 Best Small Towns to Visit in 2017," 2 May 2017
Sample headlines: What equality really means: An Asian-American take on affirmative action to ‘

— megan schellong, USA TODAY College, "Check out these 5 student digital media orgs with campus editions," 24 Aug. 2017
Sample beers from around Ohio, live music, and food trucks.

— rasputin todd, Cincinnati.com, "Things to do this week: Aug. 15-20," 15 Aug. 2017
Language English English Font Size Small Small Medium Large Position Auto Bottom Top Sample Caption Text Mute Current Time 0:00 Duration Time 0:00 12 Things Fashion People Literally Think (Literally)

— erika harwood, vanityfair.com, "The BoF 500 Gala Is Coming to New York Fashion Week," 10 Aug. 2017
Sample food from Philly’s vegan restaurants and enjoy beer, spirits, and live music.

— staff reports, Philly.com, "Trike racing, Peach Music Fest, and more to to do in and around Philadelphia," 9 Aug. 2017

First Known Use of sample

1820

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

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SAMPLE Defined for English Language Learners

sample

noun

Definition of sample for English Language Learners

: a small amount of something that gives you information about the thing it was taken from
: a small amount of something that is given to people to try
: a group of people or things that are taken from a larger group and studied, tested, or questioned to get information

sample

verb

Definition of sample for English Language Learners

: to taste a small amount of (something)
: to try or experience (something)
: to test, study, or question (a group of people or things taken from a larger group) to get information

sample

adjective

Definition of sample for English Language Learners

: used as an example of something

SAMPLE Defined for Kids

sample

noun sam·ple \ ˈsam-pəl \

Definition of sample for Students

1 : a part or piece that shows the quality or character of the whole

A water sample was taken to test for purity.

2 : a small amount of something that is given to people to try

sample

verb

Definition of sample for Students

sampled; sampling

: to judge the quality or character of by trying or examining a small part or amount

We sampled the store's cheese.

Medical Dictionary

sample

noun sam·ple \ ˈsam-pəl \

medical Definition of sample

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