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

While preparing the sampling surfaces, Clough followed standard practice and wore nitrile gloves.

From Science Daily • Mar. 29, 2026

Smilowitz added that these fine details, like contamination during sampling or preparation, or if the products were tested in powder form or prepared formula, matter in understanding the results.

From Salon • Mar. 20, 2026

The survey, which goes to a representative sampling of U.S. households, found the rate of violent victimization hadn’t fallen.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 14, 2026

“When you have kids like Young Thug with songs called ‘Wyclef Jean,’ and G Herbo sampling ‘911,’ you know, very few of us can connect those bridges,” he says.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 25, 2026

This is a rapid sampling of tissue, done close to the moment of death instead of a full autopsy.

From "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston

Related Words

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