example

ig-ZAM-puhl/ɪɡˈzæm.pəl/UKig-ZAHM-puhl/ɪɡˈzɑːm.pəl/

6 meanings of example

1
illustrationnouncountable
A thing that is typical of its kind or that shows how a rule or general statement works; an instance.
The textbook offers a clear example to illustrate the grammar rule.
Each chapter ends with an example explaining the principle just covered.
UsageSay an example of something, and use for example to introduce one; teachers give an example.
Similarinstance, illustration, case
2
role modelnouncountable
A pattern of behavior meant to be followed as good or avoided as bad.
The coach set an example of fairness for the entire team.
His reckless spending was a poor example for his children.
UsageSet phrases: set an example for others, follow someone's example, lead by example.
Similarmodel, pattern, precedent, standard
3
precedentnouncountable
A comparable case, particularly one taken as a precedent or a model to follow.
Lawyers cited an example from a previous ruling to support their argument.
The committee followed the example of a neighboring city's successful program.
Similarprecedent, model, case, instance

Less common meanings

4
warningnouncountable
A person punished as a warning meant to deter others.
The general made an example of the deserter to keep the others in line.
The coach made an example of the two players who skipped practice by benching them.
UsageMost often in make an example of someone; a person can also be punished as an example to others.
Similarwarning, lesson, deterrent
5
problem to solvenouncountable
A problem set as an exercise to illustrate a rule or to practice applying it.
The instructor solved an example on the board to demonstrate the method.
Students completed several examples to practice the new formula.
Similarexercise, problem
6
verbarchaic
To illustrate something by giving an example, or to serve as an example of it; to exemplify.

Practice

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Origin

This word came into Middle English as example from Old French example, from Latin exemplum ("sample, pattern, specimen, copy for imitation"), literally "what is taken out." It is a doublet of exemplum and sample, and it displaced the native Middle English forebisne (from Old English forebȳsn).

Checked 30 Oct 2026 · 4 facts

Middle English example came through Old French example from Latin exemplum. en.wiktionary.org
The Latin meanings and literal gloss are accurate. en.wiktionary.org
Example, exemplum and sample are doublets. en.wiktionary.org
Example displaced native forebisne, inherited from Old English forebȳsn. en.wiktionary.org