The meaning of EXAMPLE is a person or way of behaving that serves as a pattern to be imitated or not to be imitated. How to use example in a sentence. Synonym Discussion of Example.

An example is a typically representative part that demonstrates the character of the whole: "Of the despotism to which unrestrained military power leads we have plenty of examples from …

Idiom set an example (Definition of example from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

EXAMPLE definition: one of a number of things, or a part of something, taken to show the character of the whole. See examples of example used in a sentence.

An example of something is a particular situation, object, or person which shows that what is being claimed is true.

Dec 30, 2024 · An "example" is a demonstration of a principle or concept, often used to clarify a point or model behavior. People use examples in everyday conversation, education, and …

Example, sample, specimen refer to an individual phenomenon taken as representative of a type, or to a part representative of the whole. Example is used of an object, condition, etc., that is …

Example definition: One that is representative of a group as a whole.

Jan 20, 2026 · Something that serves as a pattern of behaviour to be imitated (a good example) or not to be imitated (a bad example). Nelson Mandela was an example for many to follow.

There are 16 meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun example, three of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.