example

American  

[ig-zam-puhl, -zahm-] / ɪgˈzæm pəl, -ˈzɑm- /

noun

1. 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.

   Synonyms:

   specimen, sample

2. a pattern or model, as of something to be imitated or avoided.

   to set a good example.

   Synonyms:

   lead, precedent, template, standard, pattern, paradigm, model, ideal, exemplar

3. 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

4. an instance illustrating a rule or method, as a mathematical problem proposed for solution.

5. an instance, especially of punishment, serving as a warning to others.

   Public executions were meant to be examples to the populace.

6. a precedent; parallel case.

   an action without example.

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verb (used with object)

exampled, exampling

1. Rare. to give or be an example of; exemplify (used in the passive).

example British  

/ ɪɡˈzɑːmpəl /

noun

1. a specimen or instance that is typical of the group or set of which it forms part; sample

2. a person, action, thing, etc, that is worthy of imitation; pattern

   you must set an example to the younger children

3. a precedent, illustration of a principle, or model

   an example in a maths book

4. a punishment or the recipient of a punishment serving or intended to serve as a warning

   the headmaster made an example of him

5. as an illustration; for instance

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verb

1. (tr; now usually passive) to present an example of; exemplify

example Idioms  

1. see for example; make an example of; set an example.

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Related Words

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.

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.

Example Sentences

An accomplished coach such as Thomas Frank, for example, appeared better suited to leading an underdog Brentford side more willing to play his pragmatic style of football than the Tottenham team he managed this season.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

That could include companies that did well by capturing share from competitors—McDonald’s getting business from pricier fast-casual or full-service chains, for example, or Walmart attracting more middle-class customers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

Savouri also cites problems like benefit arbitrage, for example, whereby the number of people claiming it falls whenever the government introduces stricter qualifying criteria.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026

For example, a stock with a beta of 0.9 would be expected to decline about 9% when the S&P 500 falls 10%.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

They ate rotting flesh, for example, and that was always difficult to watch at lunchtime.

From "Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody" by Patrick Ness

Related Words

• case
• illustration
• lesson
• object
• part
• pattern
• precedent
• symbol