sampling

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

Synonyms of sampling

• sample

Examples of sampling in a Sentence

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

Johnston said some of the risks could’ve been avoided if the state committed to proper safeguards, such as post-cleanup sampling, sooner. —Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2026

The device removes the need for manual sampling and slow destructive testing, the researchers said. —Maureen MacKey , Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 11 Apr. 2026

Some chefs offer bites similar to what is offered on their restaurant menus; others curate samplings that are exclusive to the event. —Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Apr. 2026

Market visits, information about unique traditions and customs, and a sampling of local cuisine are part of tours like a German Christmas Markets trip and the Paris Explorer tour. —Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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