Sample — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb adjective /ˈsam-pəl/ sam·ple

Meaning & Definition of Sample

Sample (noun)

  1. a representative part or a single item from a larger whole or group especially when presented for inspection or shown as evidence of quality, specimen
  2. a finite part of a statistical population whose properties are studied to gain information about the whole
  3. an excerpt from a recording (such as a popular song by another performer) that is used in a musical composition, recording, or performance

Sample (verb)

  1. to take a sample of or from; especially, to judge the quality of by a sample, test
  2. to use a segment of (recorded music, sounds, or dialogue from another source) as part of one's own musical composition or recording, to use a sample from (another recording or performer)

Sample (adjective)

  1. serving as an illustration or example

Sample (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a number of things selected from a group to stand for the whole

    "based on a sample of the menu items, we decided that this was the best restaurant in town"

    similar: cross section, sampler, sampling, selection, slice
    related: case, example, exemplar, exemplification, illustration, instance, representative, specimen, archetype, classic, locus classicus, paradigm, prototype, microcosm

  2. one of a group or collection that shows what the whole is like

    "this vase is a sample of the high-quality glassware that the glassblowers can produce"

    similar: case, example, exemplar, exemplification, illustration, instance, prototype, representative, specimen, case in point
    related: archetype, classic, locus classicus, paradigm, cross section, microcosm, evidence, indication, manifestation, sign

Sample (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to put (something) to a test

    "sampled the soup to see if it tasted good"

    similar: test, try (out)
    related: check (out), examine, experiment (with), explore, feel (out), investigate, research, study, resample, retest

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Sample

The most common words with a similar meaning to Sample:

cross section, sampler, sampling, selection, slice, case, example, exemplar, exemplification, illustration, instance, prototype, representative, specimen, case in point, test, try (out)

Related Words for Sample

archetype, classic, locus classicus, paradigm, microcosm, evidence, indication, manifestation, sign, check (out), examine, experiment (with), explore, feel (out), investigate, research, study, resample, retest

Word Forms of Sample

Inflections: sampled, sampling

Origin & Etymology of Sample

Middle English, from Anglo-French sample, essample, from Latin exemplum example

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Sample

Words & Phrases Containing Sample

sample space

Frequently Asked Questions about Sample

What does "Sample" mean?

"Sample" means a representative part or a single item from a larger whole or group especially when presented for inspection or shown as evidence of quality, specimen. As an a noun, a verb and an adjective, it is defined as: a representative part or a single item from a larger whole or group especially when presented for inspection or shown as evidence of quality, specimen. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Sample"?

Other words for "Sample" include cross section, sampler, sampling, selection, slice, case, example and exemplar. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Sample" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Sample"?

There are 36 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Sample". Common alternatives include cross section, sampler, sampling, selection, slice, case, example, exemplar, exemplification and illustration.

How do you use "Sample" in a sentence?

Examples of "Sample" in a sentence: "based on a sample of the menu items, we decided that this was the best restaurant in town"; "this vase is a sample of the high-quality glassware that the glassblowers can produce"; "sampled the soup to see if it tasted good".

Is "Sample" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Sample" can be used as a noun, a verb and an adjective, depending on the context.

Is "Sample" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B1-level word, "Sample" is typical of Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET), IELTS band 4.0–5.0, TOEFL iBT 42–71, PTE Academic 43–58, TOEIC Listening & Reading 550+.

How do you pronounce "Sample"?

"Sample" is pronounced /ˈsam-pəl/ and divided into syllables as sam·ple.

What is the origin of the word "Sample"?

"Sample" comes from Middle English, from Anglo-French sample, essample, from Latin exemplum example. First known use: 15th century.