noun
- something selected to show the nature or character of the rest; single part or unit used as a sample; typical instance
- a case, punishment, etc. that serves as a warning or caution: to fine a speeder as an example to others
- a person or thing to be imitated; model; pattern; precedent
- a problem, as in mathematics, designed to illustrate a principle or method
Origin:
ME < OFr example, essample < L exemplum, sample, example < eximere, to take out < ex-, out + emere, to buy < IE base *em-, to take > Lith imù
transitive verb exampled, exampling
to exemplify: obs., except in the passive