Definitions for exampleɪgˈzæm pəl, -ˈzɑm-

Random House Webster's College Dictionary

ex•am•pleɪgˈzæm pəl, -ˈzɑm-(n.; v.)-pled, -pling.

(n.)one of a number of things, or a part of something, taken to show the character of the whole.
a pattern or model, as of something to be imitated or avoided:
to set a good example.
an instance serving for illustration; specimen.
an instance illustrating a rule or method, as a mathematical problem proposed for solution.
Category: Math
an instance, esp. of punishment, serving as a warning to others.
a precedent; parallel case:
an action without example.
(v.t.)to give or be an example of; exemplify (used in the passive).

Origin of example:

1350–1400; ME exa(u)mple < MF example < L exemplum, akin to eximere to take out; see exempt

Princeton's WordNet

example, illustration, instance, representative(noun)
an item of information that is typical of a class or group
"this patient provides a typical example of the syndrome"; "there is an example on page 10"
model, example(noun)
a representative form or pattern
"I profited from his example"
exemplar, example, model, good example(noun)
something to be imitated
"an exemplar of success"; "a model of clarity"; "he is the very model of a modern major general"
example, deterrent example, lesson, object lesson(noun)
punishment intended as a warning to others
"they decided to make an example of him"
case, instance, example(noun)
an occurrence of something
"it was a case of bad judgment"; "another instance occurred yesterday"; "but there is always the famous example of the Smiths"
exercise, example(noun)
a task performed or problem solved in order to develop skill or understanding
"you must work the examples at the end of each chapter in the textbook"

Kernerman English Learner's Dictionary

example(noun)ɪgˈzæm pəl, -ˈzɑm-
a sample or instance
several examples of the students' work; I don't understand - can you give me an example?
exampleɪgˈzæm pəl, -ˈzɑm-
a typical example
Tina's outburst was a classic example of her lack of control.
exampleɪgˈzæm pəl, -ˈzɑm-
indicates you are going to mention an example
changes in diet - for example, no fried foods or alcoholic drinks
exampleɪgˈzæm pəl, -ˈzɑm-
sb or sth considered to be good model to copy
She's an example to all of us.
exampleɪgˈzæm pəl, -ˈzɑm-
to show good behavior
Try to set an example for the younger kids.

Wiktionary

example(Noun)
Something that is representative of all such things in a group.
example(Noun)
Something that serves to illustrate or explain a rule.
example(Noun)
Something that serves as a pattern of behaviour to be imitated (a good example) or not to be imitated (a bad example).
example(Noun)
A person punished as a warning to others.
example(Noun)
A parallel or closely similar case, especially when serving as a precedent or model.
example(Noun)
An instance (as a problem to be solved) serving to illustrate the rule or precept or to act as an exercise in the application of the rule.
example(Verb)
To be illustrated or exemplified (by)

Origin: From example, from essample (French: exemple), from exemplum, from eximo, from ex + emo; see exempt. Compare ensample, sample, exemplar. Displaced native Middle English bisne, forbus (from Old English bisen, forebisen) and Middle English byspel (from Old English bispel).

Webster Dictionary

Example(noun)
one or a portion taken to show the character or quality of the whole; a sample; a specimen
Example(noun)
that which is to be followed or imitated as a model; a pattern or copy
Example(noun)
that which resembles or corresponds with something else; a precedent; a model
Example(noun)
that which is to be avoided; one selected for punishment and to serve as a warning; a warning
Example(noun)
an instance serving for illustration of a rule or precept, especially a problem to be solved, or a case to be determined, as an exercise in the application of the rules of any study or branch of science; as, in trigonometry and grammar, the principles and rules are illustrated by examples
Example(verb)
to set an example for; to give a precedent for; to exemplify; to give an instance of; to instance