template

American  

[tem-plit] / ˈtɛm plɪt /

Or templet

noun

1. a pattern, mold, or the like, usually consisting of a thin plate of wood or metal, serving as a gauge or guide in mechanical work.

2. anything that determines or serves as a pattern; a model.

   You can use my notes as a template for employee evaluations.

3. Building Trades. a horizontal piece, as of timber or stone, in a wall, to receive and distribute the pressure of a girder, beam, or the like.

4. Shipbuilding. either of two wedges in each of the temporary blocks forming the support for the keel of a ship while building.

5. Aerial Photogrammetry. any object having lines, slots, or straightedges to represent lines radiating from the center of a photograph, used for graphic triangulation.

6. Genetics. a strand of DNA or RNA that serves as a pattern for the synthesis of a complementary strand of nucleic acid or protein.

7. Computers.

   1. a small sheet or strip of cardboard, plastic, or the like, that fits over a portion of the keyboard and provides ready reference to the keystroke commands of a particular software program.

   2. an electronic file with a predesigned, customized format and structure, as for a fax, letter, or expense report, ready to be filled in.

8. Also called safe.  a marble base for a toilet.

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template British  

/ ˈtɛmplɪt /

noun

1. a gauge or pattern, cut out in wood or metal, used in woodwork, etc, to help shape something accurately

2. a pattern cut out in card or plastic, used in various crafts to reproduce shapes

3. a short beam, made of metal, wood, or stone, that is used to spread a load, as over a doorway

4. biochem the molecular structure of a compound that serves as a pattern for the production of the molecular structure of another specific compound in a reaction

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template Scientific  

/ tĕm′plĭt /

1. A molecule of a nucleic acid, such as DNA, that serves as a pattern for the synthesis of another molecule of a nucleic acid.

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Usage

What does template mean? A template is a pattern, model, or guide for the creation of some kind of project. Template is most commonly used in a general way, but it has many specific meanings depending on the context it is being used in. Example: When creating your résumé, don’t start from scratch—use a template so that you can make sure you format it properly.

Etymology

Origin of template

1670–80; alteration of templet, apparently by falsely etymologizing final syllable as plate ¹

Explanation

A template is a model or a guide for producing something. When you build your website, you might use a free template, filling in your own text and images. Template has a few different meanings, but the most common one is as a pattern that can be used in building or reproducing something. If you are designing costumes for a production of Shakespeare, you might use the design of one of Queen Elizabeth's dresses as a template to work from. In building, a template is a block of wood that goes under a door or a wall to distribute weight.

Example Sentences

And it’s a template for trusting that the courts will have your back if you have a meritorious case.

From Slate • May 18, 2026

The viral RNA has to direct the production of viral proteins while also serving as the template for creating new copies of the virus.

From Science Daily • May 13, 2026

That is the template Perez returns to when his patience runs out.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

Wells, whose Virginia-based business is called Sarah Wells Bags, said CBP’s CSV template on Monday failed to download properly and wouldn’t open correctly for her.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 20, 2026

Although the Olmec preceded the others, they did not set the template for them.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann

Related Words

• arrangement