example

ex-am-ple · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A thing characteristic of its kind or illustrating a general rule.

  2. 2.

    A person or thing regarded in terms of their fitness to be imitated.

  3. 3.

    A punishment or warning intended to deter others.

Forms

plural: examples

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    for example — Used to introduce an illustration.
  • •
    set an example — To behave in a way others should copy.
  • •
    make an example of — To punish severely as a warning to others.
  • •
    lead by example — To guide others through one's own actions.
  • •
    a case in point / a perfect example — A relevant instance.

Related words

See also: illustration, instance, model, sample
Synonyms: illustration, instance, sample, specimen

Etymology

From Old French essample, from Latin exemplum ("sample, pattern"), from eximere ("to take out"), from ex- ("out") + emere ("to take, buy").