a small part or quantity intended to show what the whole is like, a specimen taken for scientific testing or analysis

set an example (or be an example) to others, take a sample of something, not the only game in town (or not the only sample in the world)

sample size, sample rate, sample sale

Formal and Informal Expressions of sample

In different contexts, you can replace 'sample' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'specimen, model, prototype' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'taste, demo' is a commonplace synonym.

sample: Explore its Definition & Usage

sample Definition

1a small part or quantity intended to show what the whole is like
2a specimen taken for scientific testing or analysis

Using sample: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "sample" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The store is giving out free samples of cheese.
Example
We need to take a sample of your blood for testing.
Example
The survey was conducted using a random sample of the population.

sample Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for sample

Antonyms for sample

whole
entirety

Idioms Using sample

set an example (or be an example) to others
to behave in a way that others may imitate or follow
Example
As a teacher, it's important to set a good example for your students.
take a sample of something
to take a small amount of something for testing or analysis
Example
The doctor needs to take a sample of your urine for testing.
not the only game in town (or not the only sample in the world)
not the only option or choice available
Example
This brand of coffee is good, but it's not the only game in town. There are other good brands too.

Phrases with sample

sample size
the number of individuals or items in a sample
Example
The sample size for the study was 500 participants.
sample rate
the number of samples of a signal that are taken per second
Example
The audio file has a sample rate of 44.1 kHz.
sample sale
an event where a company sells its products at a discounted price to clear out inventory or promote new products
Example
I got this designer dress for half price at the sample sale.

Origins of sample

from Old French 'essample', from Latin 'exemplum', meaning 'example'

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Summary: sample in Brief

The term 'sample' [ˈsæmpl] refers to a small part or quantity that represents the whole, as in 'The store is giving out free samples of cheese.' It also denotes a specimen taken for scientific testing or analysis, as in 'We need to take a sample of your blood for testing.' 'Sample' extends into phrases like 'sample size,' and idioms like 'set an example (or be an example) to others,' denoting behavior that others may imitate or follow.