noun
example
ihg-ZAHM-puhl
noun
1
A single case that represents or stands in for a whole group of similar things.
"This vase is a fine example of eighteenth-century craftsmanship."
2
Something used to explain or illustrate a rule or idea.
"The teacher worked through an example before setting the homework."
3
A model of behaviour that others should — or shouldn't — copy.
"She set a good example by always arriving early."
"His laziness was held up as a bad example to the rest of the team."
How to Use Example
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA single case that shows what a whole group is like, or a model of behaviour to follow.
Common pairings
for example
set an example
a prime example
lead by example
Word Forms
exampled past tense, examples plural, examples singular
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This vase is a fine _____ of eighteenth-century craftsmanship.
Etymology
From Old French essaumple, from Latin exemplum, "a sample or model taken out" — a doublet of "sample."