example
Americannoun
-
one of a number of things, or a part of something, taken to show the character of the whole.
This painting is an example of his early work.
-
a pattern or model, as of something to be imitated or avoided.
to set a good example.
-
an instance serving for illustration; a representative case.
The case histories gave carefully detailed examples of this disease.
- Synonyms:
- representative, prototype, instance, illustration, exemplification, exemplar, case
-
an instance illustrating a rule or method, as a mathematical problem proposed for solution.
-
an instance, especially of punishment, serving as a warning to others.
Public executions were meant to be examples to the populace.
-
a precedent; parallel case.
an action without example.
verb (used with object)
noun
-
a specimen or instance that is typical of the group or set of which it forms part; sample
-
a person, action, thing, etc, that is worthy of imitation; pattern
you must set an example to the younger children
-
a precedent, illustration of a principle, or model
an example in a maths book
-
a punishment or the recipient of a punishment serving or intended to serve as a warning
the headmaster made an example of him
-
as an illustration; for instance
verb
Synonym Usage
Example, sample, specimen refer to an individual phenomenon taken as representative of a type, or to a part representative of the whole. Example is used of an object, condition, etc., that is assumed to illustrate a certain principle or standard: a good example of baroque architecture. Sample refers to a small portion of a substance or to a single representative of a group or type that is intended to show what the rest of the substance or the group is like: a sample of yarn. Specimen usually suggests that the “sample” chosen is intended to serve a scientific or technical purpose: a blood specimen; zoological specimens. See ideal. See case 1.
Other Word Forms
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
has exampledperfect 3rd person singular
-
have exampledperfect
-
has been examplingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
-
examplingparticiple
-
am examplingprogressive 1st person singular
-
is examplingprogressive 3rd person singular
-
have been examplingperfect progressive
-
are examplingprogressive
-
examplessingular 3rd person
Past
-
had exampledperfect
-
were examplingprogressive plural
-
had been examplingperfect progressive
-
exampledparticiple
-
was examplingprogressive singular
-
exampledsimple
Future
Etymology
Origin of example
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English exa(u)mple, from Middle French example, from Latin exemplum, akin to eximere “to take out,” from ex- ex- 1 + emere “to buy,” originally “to take”; replacing Middle English exemple, from Latin, as above
Explanation
An example is a particular instance of something that is representative of a group, or an illustration of something that's been generally described. Example comes from the Latin word for "specimen." If you want an example of mainstream teen fashion, find a 13-year old in a mall. If you set a good example, then you show your peers how they should behave. But if you’re an unrepentant criminal and you keep getting in trouble, a judge might give you a really long prison sentence, as an example to other unrepentant criminals out there.
Vocabulary lists containing example
PARCC: Language of the Test (Grade7)
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Argumentative Writing
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"The origins and acceleration mechanisms of ultrahigh-energy cosmic rays have been among the biggest mysteries in the field for more than 60 years, since the first example was reported," Murase said.
From Science Daily • Jun. 9, 2026
In one example, an Apple employee asked Siri, “What podcast did my sister recommend?”
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026
SpaceX, for example, filed confidentially on April 1 and begins trading in just a couple of days.
From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026
For example, trick roping performed by horse riders that don’t actually lasso animals or choreographed riding to music are not included in the ban.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026
Research can be conducted by AI, for example, instead of humans.
From "The First State of Being" by Erin Entrada Kelly
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
