example

/ɪɡˈzæmpəl/

Reviewed on

Type

Noun

Meaning

  1. A specific person, thing, or event that illustrates a general rule or represents a larger group.

    • She cited several clear examples from recent history to support her thesis.

  2. A person or behavior that serves as a pattern worthy of imitation.

    • He tried to set a positive example for his younger colleagues every day.

  3. A punishment inflicted on someone to deter others from committing the same offense.

    • The judge intended to make an example of the corrupt executive.

Collocations

  • prime example
  • classic example
  • typical example
  • give an example
  • set an example
  • lead by example
  • make an example of

Synonyms

  • illustration
  • instance
  • specimen
  • model
  • pattern
  • warning

Idioms

  • for example

    used to introduce a specific instance

    Many vegetables, for example spinach and kale, are rich in iron.