Example Definition

ĭg-zămpəl
exampled, examples, exampling
noun
examples
Something selected to show the nature or character of the rest; single part or unit used as a sample; typical instance.
Webster's New World
One that is representative of a group as a whole.
The squirrel, an example of a rodent; introduced each new word with examples of its use.
American Heritage
One serving as a pattern of a specific kind.
Set a good example by arriving on time.
American Heritage
A case, punishment, etc. that serves as a warning or caution.
To fine a speeder as an example to others.
Webster's New World
A person or thing to be imitated; model; pattern; precedent.
Webster's New World
verb
To exemplify.
Webster's New World

To be illustrated or exemplified (by).

Wiktionary
idiom
for example
  • As an illustrative instance:

    Wear something simple; for example, a skirt and blouse.

American Heritage
for example
  • as an example; by way of illustration
Webster's New World
set an example
  • to be, or behave so as to be, a pattern or model for others to imitate
Webster's New World

Other Word Forms of Example

Noun

Singular:
example
Plural:
examples

Idioms, Phrasal Verbs Related to Example

Origin of Example

  • From Middle English example, from Old French essample (French: exemple), from Latin exemplum (“literally what is taken out (as a sample), a sample, pattern, specimen, copy for imitation, etc.”), from eximō (“take out”), from ex (“out”) + emō (“buy; acquire”); see exempt. Compare ensample, sample, exemplar. Displaced native Middle English bisne, forbus, forbusen (“example, model, template, exemplar”) (from Old English bīsen, forebīsen, forebȳsen (“example, model, template, exemplar”)) and Middle English byspel (“example, proverb”) (from Old English bīspel).

    From Wiktionary

  • Middle English from Old French example, essaumple from Latin exemplum from eximere to take out ex- ex- emere to take em- in Indo-European roots

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

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