example
an item of information that is typical of a class or group
How often you will meet it
Rank 1,616 of 71,295 words measured. It occurs 11,209 times across 139,755 chapters — 0.005% of every word in the library.
What it means
noun
- an item of information that is typical of a class or group also: illustration, instance, representative this patient provides a typical example of the syndromethere is an example on page 10
- a representative form or pattern also: model I profited from his example
- something to be imitated also: exemplar, model, good example an exemplar of successa model of clarity
- punishment intended as a warning to others also: deterrent example, lesson, object lesson they decided to make an example of him
- an occurrence of something also: case, instance it was a case of bad judgmentanother instance occurred yesterday
- a task performed or problem solved in order to develop skill or understanding also: exercise you must work the examples at the end of each chapter in the textbook
example in real books
Each sentence below was written by a published author and is taken from a different book in our library. Open one to read the passage it came from, with narration.
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She agrees with me that one must set an example of economy.
The Mysterious Affair at Styles · Agatha Christie · Chapter 1
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The siege of Paris, that siege without example in history, had commenced.
Other People's Money · Emile Gaboriau · Chapter 1
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So she, following the example of Lucy, wished to sell everything that she might give.
The Dream · Émile Zola · Chapter 1
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Mr. SM-TH, for example, does not go to the House of Lords, nor Mr. G-SCH-N to the Gold Coast.
Punch — Volume 99, August 16, 1890 · Various · Chapter 1
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Well, tell him from me, that I'll make an example of him to the whole parish, if he doesn't attend mass better.
The Station · William Carleton · Chapter 1