sampler

1 of 2

noun (1)

sam·​pler ˈsam-plər 

: a decorative piece of needlework typically having letters or verses embroidered on it in various stitches as an example of skill

sampler

2 of 2

noun (2)

sam·​pler ˈsam-p(ə-)lər 

1

: one that collects, prepares, or examines samples

2

: something containing representative specimens or selections

a sampler of nineteen poets

—K. E. Judd

also : assortment

Synonyms

Noun (2)

• cross section
• sample
• sampling
• selection
• slice

Examples of sampler in a Sentence

Noun (2)

she put together a sampler of works in the police procedural genre

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In Los Angeles, Borch’s colleagues have set up 10 coffee-bag-size samplers around the fires (as close as they were allowed to go). —Katharine Gammon, The Atlantic, 19 Jan. 2025

If blockbusters like Sonic the Hedgehog, Five Nights at Freddie’s, and The Super Mario Bros. Movie are proof that mainstream audiences are finally ready to feast on video game adaptations, consider Secret Level a sampler platter. —Scott Meslow, Vulture, 17 Dec. 2024

For breakfast, expect fresh local fruit juices, smoothies and Belizean picks such as a sampler plate of local bread such as fry jacks and Johnny cakes. —Kaila Yu, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025

The next year, fish samplers netted the endangered Gila topminnow in the river, which had evidently washed downstream from refugia in Mexico or in Sonoita Creek. —Brandon Loomis, The Arizona Republic, 23 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1523, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1778, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

sampler

1 of 2 noun

sam·​pler ˈsam-plər 

: a piece of needlework typically having letters or verses on it done in various stitches as an example of skill

sampler

2 of 2 noun

sam·​pler ˈsam-p(ə-)lər 

1

: one that collects or examines samples

2

: a collection of samples