template

noun

tem·​plate ˈtem-plət 

1

a(1)

: a gauge, pattern, or mold (such as a thin plate or board) used as a guide to the form of a piece being made

(2)

: a molecule (as of DNA) that serves as a pattern for the generation of another macromolecule (such as messenger RNA)

b

: overlay sense c

2

: something that establishes or serves as a pattern

3

: a short piece or block placed horizontally in a wall under a beam to distribute its weight or pressure (as over a door)

Examples of template in a Sentence

The software includes templates for common marketing documents like pamphlets and flyers.

Recent Examples on the Web

The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom. —Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 22 May 2025

Platforms should create regulator-ready reports precisely formatted to meet unique state or agency requirements and product teams must continuously refine and update these templates as requirements change. —Suresh Kannan, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025

The Dream are hoping this statement court becomes a template for how sports partnerships can actually advance the conversation instead of just paying lip service to it. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 22 May 2025

Its daytime television soap operas and its prime-time dramas are templates of American originals. —Jonny Steinberg, Time, 22 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

alteration of earlier templet in same senses (by assimilation to plate entry 1), of uncertain origin

Note: The form templet has been compared with French templet "implement on a loom for stretching cloth during weaving," a diminutive of temple in the same sense, though there is no apparent explanation for the very dissimilar senses. The relation of sense 3 (attested earlier) to sense 1 is unclear.

First Known Use

1549, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Rhymes for template

• templet

Kids Definition

template

noun

tem·​plate ˈtem-plət 

1

: a gauge, pattern, or mold (as a thin plate or board) used as a guide to the form of a piece being made

2

: something that establishes or serves as a pattern

Medical Definition

template

noun

tem·​plate ˈtem-plət 

1

also templet : a gauge, pattern, or mold used as a guide to the form of a piece being made

2

: a molecule (as of DNA) that serves as a pattern for the synthesis of another macromolecule (as messenger RNA)