example

1 of 2

noun

ex·​am·​ple ig-ˈzam-pəl 

1

: one that serves as a pattern to be imitated or not to be imitated

a good example

2

: a punishment inflicted on someone as a warning to others

also : an individual so punished

3

: one that is representative of all of a group or type

4

: a parallel or closely similar case especially when serving as a precedent or model

5

: an instance (such as a problem to be solved) serving to illustrate a rule or precept or to act as an exercise in the application of a rule

example

2 of 2

verb

exampled; exampling ig-ˈzam-p(ə-)liŋ 

transitive verb

1

: to serve as an example of

2

archaic : to be or set an example to

Phrases

for example \ fər-​ig-​ˈzam-​pəl , frig-​ \

: as an example

there are many sources of air pollution; exhaust fumes, for example

Synonyms

Noun

• case
• exemplar
• exemplification
• illustration
• instance
• prototype
• representative
• sample
• specimen

Choose the Right Synonym for example

instance, case, illustration, example, sample, specimen mean something that exhibits distinguishing characteristics in its category.

instance applies to any individual person, act, or thing that may be offered to illustrate or explain.

an instance of history repeating itself

case is used to direct attention to a real or assumed occurrence or situation that is to be considered, studied, or dealt with.

a case of mistaken identity

illustration applies to an instance offered as a means of clarifying or illuminating a general statement.

a telling illustration of Murphy's Law

example applies to a typical, representative, or illustrative instance or case.

a typical example of bureaucratic waste

sample implies a part or unit taken at random from a larger whole and so presumed to be typical of its qualities.

show us a sample of your work

specimen applies to any example or sample whether representative or merely existent and available.

one of the finest specimens of the jeweler's art

model, example, pattern, exemplar, ideal mean someone or something set before one for guidance or imitation.

model applies to something taken or proposed as worthy of imitation.

a decor that is a model of good taste

example applies to a person to be imitated or in some contexts on no account to be imitated but to be regarded as a warning.

children tend to follow the example of their parents

pattern suggests a clear and detailed archetype or prototype.

American industry set a pattern for others to follow

exemplar suggests either a faultless example to be emulated or a perfect typification.

cited Joan of Arc as the exemplar of courage

ideal implies the best possible exemplification either in reality or in conception.

never found a job that matched his ideal

Examples of example in a Sentence

Noun

He set a good example for the rest of us.

She gave several examples to show that the program is effective.

We've chosen three examples of contemporary architecture for closer study.

a classic example of a Persian rug

a fine example of the artist's work

The dictionary includes thousands of examples.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Catcher in the Rye Perhaps the most famous example of a novel linked with murder would be Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, which was linked with three murderers, although one was later dismissed as a coincidence. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 14 Dec. 2024

This past year, for example, out of 8.2 million college students seeking an internship, only 3.6 million landed one and only 2.5 million of those reported having quality experiences with meaningful projects and productive mentorship. —Brandon Busteed, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024

Verb

The collection includes a diamond and enamel example with the portrait of who is believed to be Princess Anne, the eldest daughter of King George II, and wife of William IV, Prince of Orange. —Anthony Demarco, Forbes, 6 Sep. 2024

How those perceptions shift over time are exampled by the Chabad of Poway synagogue shootings of April 27, 2019 resulting in the death of a beloved congregant and attempts at other congregants’ lives. —Doris Bittar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Aug. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French essample, example, from Latin exemplum, from eximere to take out, from ex- + emere to take — more at redeem

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing example

• follow someone's example
• lead by example
• make an example of
• set an example
• textbook case/example

Kids Definition

example

noun

ex·​am·​ple

ig-ˈzam-pəl

1

: one that serves as a pattern to be followed or not followed

set a good example

a bad example

2

a

: punishment given to someone as a warning to others

b

: the person so punished

we'll make an example of you

3

: one of a group or collection that shows what the whole is like : sample

a fine example of the silversmith's art

4

: a problem to be solved to show how a rule works

examples in arithmetic