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

But this team continues to groove to a tune that includes some heavy sampling from its past. —Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 8 June 2025

Even direct soil sampling is unreliable, as carbon levels swing with rainfall. —Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025

This work will reveal insights about the quasi-moon and help the team select a suitable sampling site. —Mike Wall, Space.com, 29 May 2025

There will also be two sets of live musicians, from 5 to 7 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. As the music transitions, customers 21 years and older can participate in a sunset toast with a free sampling of one of Borrego’s signature cocktails or the rotating punch. —San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2025

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