specimen applies to any example or sample whether representative or merely existent and available.

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.

Idiom set an example (Definition of example from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

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 …

An example of something is a particular situation, object, or person that shows that what is being claimed is true. The doctors gave numerous examples of patients being expelled from the …

There are 16 meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun example, three of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Example definition: One that is representative of a group as a whole.

Dec 7, 2025 · example (third-person singular simple present examples, present participle exampling, simple past and past participle exampled) To be illustrated or exemplified (by).

Dec 30, 2024 · An "example" is a demonstration of a principle or concept, often used to clarify a point or model behavior. People use examples in everyday conversation, education, and …

EXAMPLE meaning: 1 : a person or way of behaving that is seen as a model that should be followed; 2 : someone or something that is mentioned to help explain what you are saying or to …