sample

play

noun sam·ple \ ˈsam-pəl \

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

The Naperville Ale Fest seemed to satisfy a craving among the craft beer lovers who gathered at Naper Settlement Saturday to sample 200-plus varieties from about 100 brewers.

— diane moca, Naperville Sun, "Naperville Ale Fest a draw for beer novices and connoisseurs," 15 July 2017
THE OLD-SCHOOL CLASSIC Baskin-Robbins is starting the party early, this Friday, July 14, offering free samples of Polar Pizza at all locations between noon and 5 PM.

— cole kazdin, Los Angeles Magazine, "5 Places to Celebrate National Ice Cream Day, Which is a Very Important Day," 14 July 2017
The sample was matched to DNA in the Wesselman case and led to his arrest.

— clifford ward, Wheaton Glen Ellyn, "Man to stand trial in January for 1985 slaying of girl, 15, near Glen Ellyn," 13 July 2017
The trail that police said led to Bittrolff began with a DNA sample submitted by his brother Timothy Bittrolff following his misdemeanor conviction for violating an order of protection in 2013.

— frank eltman, The Seattle Times, "Carpenter found guilty of 1990s murders of 2 prostitutes," 5 July 2017
Instead, the researchers compared around 20,000 mitochondrial DNA snippets from their bone sample with the mitochondrial genomes of horses, rhinos, tapirs and wild llamas.

— steph yin, New York Times, "Strange Mammals That Stumped Darwin Finally Find a Home," 3 July 2017
One note: While a plethora of foreign series of all types are available for bingeing, these shows, even the ones on streaming services, are being released weekly — each is two to four episodes into its season, a perfect time to sample.

— mike hale, New York Times, "Policiers Like Your Favorite Crime Show, but French," 2 July 2017
In the past few years, more life insurers have been waiving requirements for blood and urine samples when selling life insurance.

— leslie scism, WSJ, "New York Regulator Seeks Details From Life Insurers Using Algorithms to Issue Policies," 29 June 2017
Between 2012 and 2015, researchers from the Iowa Superfund Research Program collected air samples from four schools in East Chicago near the Indiana Harbor and Shipping Canal and two rural schools in southeastern Iowa.

— meredith colias, Post-Tribune, "Study: Replace aging building materials in schools," 28 June 2017

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

See Words from the same year

sample Synonyms

Synonyms

cross section, sampler, sampling, selection, slice

Related Words

case, example, exemplar, exemplification, illustration, instance, representative, specimen; archetype, classic, locus classicus, paradigm, prototype; microcosm

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

Guests will have the opportunity to sample the creations and vote for their favorites in the people's choice category.

— Tampa Bay Times, "Pinellas news briefs," 20 Feb. 2017
Across the board, all of the wines sampled were reported to taste better after testers enjoyed cheese.

— sarah schreiber, House Beautiful, "Wine and Cheese Are a Match Made in Heaven and Science Agrees," 24 Oct. 2016
So many of the people who sampled Fire Cider bought it that the cider sold out.

— micaela english, Town & Country, "New Englanders Swear By This Magical Tonic That Keeps You from Getting Sick," 2 Feb. 2016

First Known Use of sample

1767

sample Synonyms

Synonyms

try (out), test

Related Words

check (out), examine, experiment (with), explore, feel (out), investigate, research, study; 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

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
Sample wares from some of Orland Park's finest restaurants.

— donna vickroy, Daily Southtown, "5 things to do this weekend," 31 July 2017
Sample hundreds of beers from 100+ Hoosier breweries and guests at the Brewers of Indiana Guild's 22nd annual summer fundraiser Saturday July 29 3 -7 p.m. at Military Park.

— Indianapolis Star, "Indiana Microbrewers Festival," 12 July 2017
Sample tastes will be given out as well at Zeitgeist Multi-Disciplinary Arts Center, 1618 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd.

— ann maloney, NOLA.com, "Fun places to eat and drink in New Orleans, June 7 to 13," 6 June 2017
AUGUST Friday-Saturday, Aug. 4-5: Vintage Ohio is 1-10 p.m. Sample wines from Ohio wineries.

— marc bona, cleveland.com, "Wine calendar: Patio pours tasting at West Point, Chez Francois wine dinner, much more," 6 June 2017

First Known Use of sample

1820

SAMPLE Defined for English Language Learners

sample

play

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

play

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

play

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