sampling

American  

[sam-pling, sahm-] / ˈsæm plɪŋ, ˈsɑm- /

noun

1. the act or process of selecting a sample for testing, analyzing, etc.

2. the sample so selected.

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sampling British  

/ ˈsɑːmplɪŋ /

noun

1. the process of selecting a random sample

2. a variant of sample

3. the process of taking a short extract from (a record) and mixing it into a different backing track

4. a process in which a continuous electrical signal is approximately represented by a series of discrete values, usually regularly spaced

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Etymology

Origin of sampling

First recorded in 1630–40; sample + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

"We loved going to the theme park in Denmark, but we equally loved sampling all the food in Italy," she said.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

The inspector general’s office based its findings on a review of a selective or “purposive” sampling of 40 nursing-home inspections and admits the findings can’t easily be extrapolated to all facilities.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

The company, Dateline Resources Ltd., says that historical sampling of the area in the Pinto Mountains south of Twentynine Palms found enrichment in elements key to powering electric vehicles, wind turbines and defense systems.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

The chip already has entered the customer sampling process, with production slated for later this year.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

One night we were sampling the herring when I heard Janina say, “Hello.”

From "Milkweed" by Jerry Spinelli

Related Words

• detail
• example
• item
• occasion
• occurrence
• particular
• precedent
• proof
• reason