sample

word

/ˈsæmpəɫ/
SAM-puhl
/sˈɑːmpəl/
SAHM-puhl

Definition

A sample is a small part or example of something that shows what the whole thing is like. It can also be a small amount of food, music, or another product that someone tries or examines.

Usage & Nuances

Common as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, frequent collocations include 'free sample', 'blood sample', and 'sample size'. As a verb, 'sample' often means trying a small amount or using part of a sound recording in music.

Example Sentences

I got a free sample of perfume at the store.

basic

The doctor took a blood sample.

basic

You can sample the cheese before you buy it.

basic

They sent over a sample of the fabric so we could check the color at home.

natural

This track samples an old jazz song from the 1960s.

natural

We only looked at a small sample, so the results might change.

natural