sample

noun sam·ple \ ˈsam-pəl \

|Updated on: 8 Jun 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

The study gave 10,273 patients a test called Oncotype DX, which uses a biopsy sample to measure the activity of genes involved in cell growth and response to hormone therapy, to estimate the risk that a cancer will recur.

— Washington Post, "Many breast cancer patients can skip chemo, big study finds," 3 June 2018
Voters should have received a sample ballot pamphlet containing information about candidates and ballot measures.

— diana lambert and dan smith, sacbee, "Need a voting plan? Five steps to casting a ballot in California's election," 3 June 2018
The study gave 10,273 patients a test called Oncotype DX, which uses a biopsy sample to measure the activity of genes involved in cell growth and response to hormone therapy, to estimate the risk that a cancer will recur.

— marilynn marchione, STAT, "Many breast cancer patients can skip chemo, big study finds," 3 June 2018
The study gave 10,273 patients a test called Oncotype DX, which uses a biopsy sample to measure the activity of genes involved in cell growth and response to hormone therapy, to estimate the risk that a cancer will recur.

— marilynn marchione, BostonGlobe.com, "Many breast cancer patients can skip chemo, big study says," 3 June 2018
The study gave 10,273 patients a test called Oncotype DX, which uses a biopsy sample to measure the activity of genes involved in cell growth and response to hormone therapy, to estimate the risk that a cancer will recur.

— marilynn marchione, Houston Chronicle, "Many breast cancer patients can skip chemo, big study finds," 3 June 2018
Other bills introduced in the Legislature:: HB 6079: Limit the size of wine tasting samples to 5 ounces for wine with an alcohol content of 8.5% or more and 16 ounces for wine with an alcohol content of less than 8.5%.

— kathleen gray, Detroit Free Press, "Pay for county commissioners targeted in bill introduced in House," 3 June 2018
The study gave 10,273 patients a test called Oncotype DX, which uses a biopsy sample to measure the activity of genes involved in cell growth and response to hormone therapy, to estimate the risk that a cancer will recur.

— CBS News, "Many breast cancer patients can safely skip chemotherapy, major study finds," 3 June 2018
The seekers and free-range thinkers who frequented the store, in Willits, California, quickly snapped up the three sample panels.

— NBC News, "'Ecotopia' teaches low-carbon living to Californians who aren't waiting for Trump to save the climate," 2 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

That’s been a theme throughout his career, especially on Yeezus, where his ideas about fashion, slavery, and ex-girlfriends mashed up with Nina Simone samples didn’t always connect.

— refinery29.com, "Kanye West Struggles To Be The Voice Of Us On Ye," 4 June 2018
Try out a historic beer brewed on site, then sample some of today’s finest from nearly 30 different local craft breweries.

— justin jacobs, Indianapolis Star, "Dead & Company and Imagine Dragons shows among top things to do in Indianapolis this June," 30 May 2018
Burgers from SWAT Food Truck, The City Diner and Heck's Cafe were sampled on Thursday.

— kaylee remington, cleveland.com, "Day 5 of visits to restaurants competing for Cleveland's Best Burger (SWAT Food Truck, The City Diner, Heck's Cafe)," 8 May 2018
Eleven lick sites - 10 human-made and one natural - were sampled from 2012-'15.

— paul a. smith, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "UW researchers verify chronic wasting disease prions at mineral lick sites," 2 May 2018
Fifteen local eateries compete for the prize of best burger, while concertgoers can spend the afternoon sampling local and regional craft brews, from IPAs to stouts and sours.

— courtney devores, charlotteobserver, "Your 5-minute guide to the best things to do in Charlotte | April 27-May 3 | Charlotte Observer," 25 Apr. 2018
Afterward, grab a bite at Fiamma Burger and explore this coastal college town, sampling craft beers from more than a dozen local breweries along the way.

— megan michelson, Outside Online, "8 Escapes You Can Get to with Public Transportation," 20 Apr. 2018
The pastor’s plate ($13) is a good way to sample a number of items, including slivers of honest-to-God Benton’s ham, flavorful biscuits with chow chow and bacon pepper jam, and solid deviled eggs atop a punchy slick of pimento cheese dip.

— dominic armato, azcentral, "Eat Here First in April: 3 new restaurants to try before everybody else does," 17 Apr. 2018
All of the distillery's rums can be sampled in the tasting room.

— julia sayers, AL.com, "Plan the perfect winter getaway in Key West," 29 Jan. 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

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

— donna vickroy, Daily Southtown, "5 things to do this weekend," 31 July 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