The meaning of EXAMPLE is a person or way of behaving that serves as a pattern to be imitated or not to be imitated. How to use example in a sentence. Synonym Discussion of Example.
EXAMPLE definition: one of a number of things, or a part of something, taken to show the character of the whole. See examples of example used in a sentence.
An example is a typically representative part that demonstrates the character of the whole: "Of the despotism to which unrestrained military power leads we have plenty of examples from Alexander to Mao" (Samuel Eliot Morison).
From Middle English example, exaumple, from Old French example, essaumple, from Latin exemplum (“sample, pattern, specimen, copy for imitation, etc.”, literally “what is taken out”); see exempt. Doublet of exemplum and sample.
An example is a typically representative part that demonstrates the character of the whole: "Of the despotism to which unrestrained military power leads we have plenty of examples from Alexander to Mao" (Samuel Eliot Morison).