sampling

1 of 2

noun

sam·​pling ˈsam-pliŋ 

for senses 1 & 3

-p(ə-)liŋ 

1

: the act, process, or technique of selecting a suitable sample

specifically : the act, process, or technique of selecting a representative part of a population for the purpose of determining parameters or characteristics of the whole population

2

: a small part selected as a sample for inspection or analysis

ask a sampling of people which candidate they favor

3

: the introduction or promotion of a product by distributing trial packages of it

sampling

2 of 2

present participle of sample entry 2

Synonyms of sampling

Noun

• sample

Examples of sampling in a Sentence

Noun

The reporter asked a sampling of people about their eating habits.

a sampling of the menu's entrées

We were given a sampling of the food.

The band does a lot of sampling.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The Cannabis Regulators Association recommends random sampling, and other states like Oklahoma have such programs. — Christopher Osher, ProPublica, 4 Sep. 2026

These technologies can connect design, sampling and manufacturing, helping companies reduce development time, improve accuracy and potentially reduce waste. — Sj Studio, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026

Warning signs will be posted throughout John Martin Reservoir State Park and the advisory will be updated as new sampling results become available, according to CPW. — Zach Hillstrom, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026

The singles themselves function as a narrative arc rather than a random sampling of the album. — Olivia Shalhoup, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1778, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing sampling

• chorionic villus sampling

Rhymes for sampling

• trampling
• resampling
• subsampling

Medical Definition

sampling

noun

sam·​pling ˈsam-pliŋ 

1

: the act, process, or technique of selecting a suitable sample

specifically : the act, process, or technique of selecting a representative part of a population for the purpose of determining parameters or characteristics of the whole population

2

: sample

obtain a sampling of urine