samples

word · lemma: sample

/ˈsæmpəɫz/
SAM-puhlz
/sˈɑːmpəlz/
SAHM-puhlz

Definition

Small amounts or examples of something used to show what it is like. The word can refer to products you try, pieces taken for testing, or examples of work, sound, or data.

Usage & Nuances

Very common in shopping, science, music, and statistics. 'Sample' can mean a free product, a test specimen, or a short piece used as an example. In music, 'samples' often means recorded sounds reused in a new song. For statistics, 'sample' is more technical than 'example'.

Example Sentences

She showed me writing samples from her class.

basic

The store gave us free samples of cheese.

basic

The doctor took blood samples for testing.

basic

Can you send me a few samples before I place a big order?

natural

This track uses old jazz samples in a really clever way.

natural

The report is based on samples from five different cities.

natural