English dictionary

example Meaning & Definition

Q: What is the plural of example?

The plural of example is examples.

Q: What is the past tense of example?

The past tense of example is exampled. The present participle is exampling.

/ɪɡˈzɑːm.pəl/

What Does Example Mean?

As a noun, example means Something that is representative of all such things in a group. It can also mean Something that serves to illustrate or explain a rule. As a verb, it means To be illustrated or exemplified (by). (Can we add an example for this sense?). As a verb, it means To be illustrated or exemplified (by).

Quick Facts About Example

Part of speech	noun, verb
Pronunciation	/ɪɡˈzɑːm.pəl/
Syllables	3
Synonyms	case, model and exemplar
Plural	examples
Verb forms	examples, exampling, exampled

Example Definition (Noun)

Something that is representative of all such things in a group.
Something that serves to illustrate or explain a rule.
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.
A person punished as a warning to others.
A parallel or closely similar case, especially when serving as a precedent or model.
An instance (as a problem to be solved) serving to illustrate the rule or precept or to act as an exercise in the application of the rule.

Example as a Verb

To be illustrated or exemplified (by). (Can we add an example for this sense?)

Verb

To be illustrated or exemplified (by).

Synonyms of Example

case model exemplar representative instance illustration exercise lesson good example deterrent example object lesson byspel exemplificator exemplum e.g.

Example synonyms and antonyms →

Example in a Sentence

Nelson Mandela was an example for many to follow.

Word Forms & Grammar

example (plural examples)

example (third-person singular simple present examples, present participle exampling, simple past and past participle exampled)

Words That Rhyme With Example

ample trample sample ampulrandom samplestratified samplegrab sampleproportional sampleampalcamp hillhampelhamplelamplmilligram pillpampelrepresentative sample

Origin of Example

From Middle English example, exaumple, from Old French example, essaumple, from Latin exemplum (“sample, pattern, specimen, copy for imitation, etc.”, literally “what is taken out”); see exempt. Doublet of exemplum and sample. Displaced native Middle English forebisne, from Old English forebȳsn; and Middle English bisne, from Old English bȳsn (modern English bizen).

How Do You Say Example?

Example is pronounced /ɪɡˈzɑːm.pəl/ and has 3 syllables, with the main stress on the second syllable (zɑːm).

Example: Your Questions Answered

Is example a noun or a verb?

Example is mainly used as a noun, but it can also be used as a verb.

What is another word for example?

Words with a similar meaning to example include case, model and exemplar. See the full list of example synonyms and antonyms.

What is the plural of example?

The plural of example is examples.

What is the past tense of example?

The past tense of example is exampled. The present participle is exampling.