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example

noun
ex·​am·​ple | \ ig-ˈzam-pÉ™l How to pronounce example (audio) \

Definition of example

 (Entry 1 of 2)

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
for example \ fÉ™r-​ig-​ˈzam-​pÉ™l How to pronounce fər-ig-ˈzam-pəl (audio) , frig-​ \
: as an example there are many sources of air pollution; exhaust fumes, for example

example

verb
exampled; exampling\ ig-​ˈzam-​p(É™-​)liÅ‹ How to pronounce exampling (audio) \

Definition of example (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to serve as an example of
2 archaic : to be or set an example to
Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about example

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Choose the Right Synonym for example

Noun

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.
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Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

 But there have been examples of lapses in the background check system that allowed guns to end up in the wrong hands. — Washington Post, "US mass shooters exploited gaps, errors in background checks," 7 Sep. 2019 There are other examples of the Patriots operating amid dramatic situations too. — Albert Breer, SI.com, "Patriots Take a Risk on Signing Antonio Brown Because They Can," 7 Sep. 2019 Not only does the singer make extremely relatable music about everyday emotions (feeling anxious at a party and needing alone time are just two examples), but every song Ulven releases is self-written, self-produced and self-released. — Stephen Daw, Billboard, "Meet Girl in Red, the Norwegian DIY Pop Savant Plotting Her 2020 'World Domination'," 6 Sep. 2019 There are also recent examples of teams sticking with managers through lean times. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Analysis: Will Padres manager Andy Green return in 2020? Stay tuned," 5 Sep. 2019 But there were additional examples of beautiful bombs that connected. — Dan Wiederer, chicagotribune.com, "Storylines for Thursday’s Bears-Packers NFL season opener: Leonard Floyd’s next big hurdle, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix’s enthusiasm and Mitch Trubisky’s deep ball," 4 Sep. 2019 Following are the 10 most urgent examples of journalists who are or were incarcerated, under threat, or seeking justice. — Lydia Belanger, Fortune, "The 10 Most Urgent Cases of Injustice Against the Press This Month," 3 Sep. 2019 The Pittsburgh shooting and El Paso shooting are good examples. — NBC News, "4chan trolls impersonate Jewish people on social media to spread hate," 3 Sep. 2019 Granted, season openers are often fraught with mistakes, and there were examples of poor ROI throughout the Power Five (hello, SEC). — Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, "What were they thinking: Poor coaching across the Pac-12 made for bad ROI in Week One," 1 Sep. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'example.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of example

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for example

Noun

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

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More Definitions for example

example

noun
How to pronounce example (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of example

: a person or way of behaving that is seen as a model that should be followed
: someone or something that is mentioned to help explain what you are saying or to show that a general statement is true
: something or someone chosen from a group in order to show what the whole group is like

See the full definition for example in the English Language Learners Dictionary

example

noun
ex·​am·​ple | \ ig-ˈzam-pÉ™l How to pronounce example (audio) \

Kids Definition of example

1 : something to be imitated : model Try to set a good example.
2

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