sampling

noun

sam·​pling ˈsam-pliŋ 

for senses 1 & 3

-p(ə-)liŋ 

1

: the act, process, or technique of selecting a suitable sample

specifically : the act, process, or technique of selecting a representative part of a population for the purpose of determining parameters or characteristics of the whole population

2

: a small part selected as a sample for inspection or analysis

ask a sampling of people which candidate they favor

3

: the introduction or promotion of a product by distributing trial packages of it

Synonyms

• cross section
• sample
• sampler
• selection
• slice

Examples of sampling in a Sentence

The reporter asked a sampling of people about their eating habits.

a sampling of the menu's entrées

We were given a sampling of the food.

The band does a lot of sampling.

Recent Examples on the Web

The sampling rate to pick up your touch inputs has been dialled up to 2,500 Hz All this gives a smooth gaming experience on the screen, both as visuals and as a controller. —Ewan Spence, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025

Majdi Fathi / NurPhoto via AP In order to estimate the number of those killed in Gaza, the study's authors used a statistical sampling technique that is often used to estimate population size as well as death tolls during conflicts in Guatemala, Colombia and Sudan. —Chantal Da Silva, NBC News, 10 Jan. 2025

Technology tests in include regolith sampling, regolith adherence, Global Navigation Satellite System abilities, radiation tolerant computing, and dust mitigation using electrodynamic fields. —Richard Tribou, Orlando Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2025

The sampling took place in a carefully standardized way. —Laura Russo, The Conversation, 7 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1778, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing sampling

• chorionic villus sampling

Medical Definition

sampling

noun

sam·​pling ˈsam-pliŋ 

1

: the act, process, or technique of selecting a suitable sample

specifically : the act, process, or technique of selecting a representative part of a population for the purpose of determining parameters or characteristics of the whole population

2

: sample

obtain a sampling of urine