WordGarden.iosample
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈɑːmpəl/
US
- /ˈsæmpəl/
Meanings
Noun
a small amount or piece given to try or show what something is like
a portion or set taken to represent a larger whole in testing or research
a short piece of recorded sound reused in another song or track
Verb
to try, taste, or experience a small amount of something
to take a portion of something for testing or analysis
to use part of an existing recording in a new piece of music
Beyond the definition
Imagine a baker perfecting a new cookie recipe. They don't give the whole batch away—they offer little samples to customers for tasting! A sample is a small part of something meant to show you what the whole thing is like. It can be a piece of fabric, a taste of food, or even a group of people chosen to represent a larger population. Scientists take samples of water to test its purity, and marketers offer free samples hoping you'll buy more.
Think of it as a sneak peek! If someone asks for a sample of your work, they want to see what you're capable of before committing to the whole project. A music producer might share a short preview online to gauge public interest. It is all about giving a taste, literally or figuratively, of something bigger.
The word "sample" has several meanings, but they all revolve around the idea of taking a small portion of something larger to represent the whole. At its most basic, a sample is a representative piece taken for inspection or demonstration. Think about visiting a wholesale club like Costco—you get samples of food so you can decide if you want to buy the full-sized product.
In science, a sample refers to a portion of a substance, material, or population selected for testing or analysis. A doctor might take a blood sample to check your health, or a geologist might collect rock samples to study the Earth's composition. Beyond the noun, "sample" is also a verb; you can sample a variety of cheeses or sample the local culture while traveling.
"Sample" isn't limited to physical things, either. It can refer to a selection of items used to illustrate a wider range. For example, in music production, an artist might take a "sample"—a short snippet from an existing recording—and incorporate it into a brand-new track. In marketing, offering free samples remains one of the most effective tactics to entice new customers.
Statistically, a "sample" refers to a subset of a population used for research purposes. Researchers use these subsets to gather data and draw conclusions about a much larger group. If you survey 100 people at a concert to find out what kind of music fans enjoy, those 100 people are your sample. Whether it's a tiny bite of cheesecake, a drop of blood, or a small group of people, a sample is always a representative piece used to understand the bigger picture.
Examples
- 1
Free product
The shop gave me a free sample of the new coffee.
- 2
Medical testing
The nurse took a blood sample for testing.
- 3
Survey research
The report is based on a sample of 500 local residents.
- Patterna sample of + group/number
a small group chosen to represent a larger one
- 4
Research methods
The sample size was too small to draw firm conclusions.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Food tasting
You can sample the soup before you order a full bowl.
- 6
Travel planning
We sampled several hotels online before choosing one for our trip.
- 7
Music production
The producer sampled an old soul record in the chorus.
- Domainin music, sample
use part of an existing recording in a new piece of music
- 8
Exam preparation
The website offers sample questions to help students prepare for the exam.
- Phrasesample questions
examples that show the style of the real exam
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- samplenounverb
Forms
- samplespluralnounverb
- sampling-ing formverbnoun
- sampledpast tenseverbnoun