example: Meaning and Definition of

ex•am•ple

Pronunciation: (ig-zam'pul, -zäm'-), [key]
— n., v., -pled, -pling.
—n.
  1. one of a number of things, or a part of something, taken to show the character of the whole: This painting is an example of his early work.
  2. a pattern or model, as of something to be imitated or avoided: to set a good example.
  3. an instance serving for illustration; specimen: The case histories gave carefully detailed examples of this disease.
  4. an instance illustrating a rule or method, as a mathematical problem proposed for solution.
  5. an instance, esp. of punishment, serving as a warning to others: Public executions were meant to be examples to the populace.
  6. a precedent; parallel case: an action without example.
—v.t.
  1. to give or be an example of; exemplify (used in the passive).
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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