model

American  

[mod-l] / ˈmɒd l /

noun

1. a standard or example for imitation or comparison.

   Synonyms:

   original, mold, archetype, prototype, paragon

2. a representation, generally in miniature, to show the construction or appearance of something.

3. an image in clay, wax, or the like, to be reproduced in more durable material.

4. a person or thing that serves as a subject for an artist, sculptor, writer, etc.

5. a person whose profession is posing for artists or photographers.

6. a person employed to wear clothing or pose with a product for purposes of display and advertising.

7. a style or design of a particular product.

   His car is last year's model.

8. a pattern or mode of structure or formation.

9. a typical form or style.

10. a simplified representation of a system or phenomenon, as in the sciences or economics, with any hypotheses required to describe the system or explain the phenomenon, often mathematically.

11. Zoology. an animal that is mimicked in form or color by another.

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adjective

1. serving as an example or model.

   a model home open to prospective buyers.

2. worthy to serve as a model; exemplary.

   a model student.

3. being a small or miniature version of something.

   He enjoyed building model ships.

verb (used with object)

modeled, modeling, modelled, modelling

1. to form or plan according to a model.

2. to give shape or form to; fashion.

   Synonyms:

   design

3. to make a miniature model of.

4. to fashion in clay, wax, or the like.

5. to simulate (a process, concept, or the operation of a system), commonly with the aid of a computer.

6. to display to other persons or to prospective customers, especially by wearing.

   to model dresses.

7. to use or include as an element in a larger construct.

   to model new data into the forecast.

verb (used without object)

modeled, modeling, modelled, modelling

1. to make models.

2. to produce designs in some plastic material.

3. to assume a typical or natural appearance, as the parts of a drawing in progress.

4. to serve or be employed as a model.

model British  

/ ˈmɒdəl /

noun

1. 1. a representation, usually on a smaller scale, of a device, structure, etc

   2. ( as modifier )

      a model train

2. 1. a standard to be imitated

      she was my model for good scholarship

   2. ( as modifier )

      a model wife

3. a representative form, style, or pattern

4. a person who poses for a sculptor, painter, or photographer

5. a person who wears clothes to display them to prospective buyers; mannequin

6. a preparatory sculpture in clay, wax, etc, from which the finished work is copied

7. a design or style, esp one of a series of designs of a particular product

   last year's model

8. 1. an original unique article of clothing

   2. ( as modifier )

      a model coat

9. a simplified representation or description of a system or complex entity, esp one designed to facilitate calculations and predictions

10. logic

    1. an interpretation of a formal system under which the theorems derivable in that system are mapped onto truths

    2. a theory in which a given sentence is true

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verb

1. to make a model of (something or someone)

2. to form in clay, wax, etc; mould

3. to display (clothing and accessories) as a mannequin

4. to plan or create according to a model or models

5. to arrange studio lighting so that highlights and shadows emphasize the desired features of a human form or an inanimate object

model Scientific  

/ mŏd′l /

1. A systematic description of an object or phenomenon that shares important characteristics with the object or phenomenon. Scientific models can be material, visual, mathematical, or computational and are often used in the construction of scientific theories.

2. See also hypothesis theory

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Related Words

See ideal.

Other Word Forms

• modeler noun
• modeller noun
• premodel verb (used without object)
• unmodeled adjective
• unmodelled adjective

Etymology

Origin of model

First recorded 1565–75; earlier modell, from Middle French modelle, from Italian modello, from Vulgar Latin modellus (unrecorded), equivalent to Latin mod(ulus), a unit of measurement ( module ) + -ellus -elle

Explanation

To model something is to show it off. To make a model of your favorite car is to create a miniature version of it. To be a model is to be so gorgeous that you’re photographed for a living. The word model, which can be a noun, verb, or adjective, comes from the Latin word modulus, meaning “measure,” or “standard.” If you are a model student, you do everything as the school and teachers wish: you are the standard. If you model your life on your hero's, you try to do what he or she does. If you are a clothing designer you will need to hire a model to model your creations.

Example Sentences

Its survival came down to a determined group of local residents who, after forming a new charity to save both the Heritage Centre and the model itself, secured ownership of the attraction.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

It has also been sent into space in previous experiments, making it a useful model for studying survival beyond Earth.

From Science Daily • Apr. 12, 2026

The Danish government has said U.S. sovereignty over bases, akin to the British model in Cyprus, is unacceptable.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

Ask someone with imagination to draw up a workforce housing model.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2026

He pulled a radio-controlled model of Batman’s black car from the carton.

From "Firegirl" by Tony Abbott

Related Words

• copy
• figure
• image
• painting
• photograph
• picture
• portrait