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

• cross section
• sample
• sampler
• selection
• slice

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

Bulk milk sampling has been the primary way for officials to detect virus in herds, Deeble said, referencing reductions of spread on Colorado farms. —Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 4 Oct. 2024

Here’s a sampling of not-to-miss National Coffee Day deals in metro Detroit and beyond. —Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 28 Sep. 2024

Let this sampling of ideas from the book inspire you to think beyond the vegetable bed. —Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Sep. 2024

The gift is equally suited for skin-care enthusiasts who have yet to discover the brand: The 24 products, which range from a gentle foam cleanser to serums packed with actives, give a solid sampling of the range. —Jenny Berg, Vogue, 17 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1778, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing sampling

• chorionic villus sampling

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