Sample meaning in English

Learn how to use Sample correctly with Gymglish.
Test and improve your English. Start your free trial today.

TEST YOUR ENGLISH Free trial and no commitment to buy
4,7 on App Store, Play Store and Trustpilot More than 8 million learners worldwide

Definition

a sample, a sampling: an example, a model, an illustration, a specimen noun
The scientists brought back samples of the interesting species they found.
We need a sample of your DNA to find out whether you are the murderer.
We will provide you with sample questions in order to help you prepare for the test. They will be examples similar to what you will see on the real exam.
to sample: to try, to test, to taste verb
I sampled every chocolate in the store. I had a taste of each different variety.
Why don't you sample our product for a week, free of charge?

Examples

  • "Sample 1 : Danica Delavigne X Bruno Delavigne"
  • "It's a great chance to sample traditional English food!"
  • "Steffi : Well, I admit that the samples we received were a success with the buying commission, our compliments to the creator."
  • "A sample from the week of August 12th is particularly intriguing"
  • "We do not understand why you submitted this sample."
  • "I'd like to see some samples as soon as they're ready, alright?"
  • "Trey : And I also brought some recorded samples of my telephone work."
  • "Enclosed in this pack are some samples taken from the Classic Collection campaign: our key image in Saudi Arabia, and its equivalent in France for comparison."
  • "I've included a sample of this week's menus to give you an idea of what I'm talking about."
  • "Here is a brief sampling of dreams from our lists"
  • "Sample 3 : Brian Jones X Bruno Delavigne"
  • "Wine woman : The next wine we'll be sampling is from our excellent vintage of 1991."
  • "Brian : Oh, so you've been sending out free samples without written authorisation?"
  • "I'm going to pass round a sample of our prototype bodywash."
  • "Sample 2 : Bruno Delavigne X Sarah Delavigne"
Exercise 1
Brian and Donna have been doing some very bad things! Naughty, naughty!

From the list below, select the TRUE statements according to the conversation.

There may be more than one correct answer!
Brian and Donna have been doing some very bad things! Naughty, naughty!

From the list below, select the TRUE statements according to the conversation.

There may be more than one correct answer!
This is not true. Brian bought "a fancy yellow tennis racket", and "charged it to the company's expense account". This means that he did not pay for the item himself, and that Delavigne Corp. paid. Brian says "sometimes I play tennis with clients" to try to justify his mistake, but there is no indication that he does this too often.
This is a true statement. Donna says that her ex-boyfriend "needed some Delavigne colognes", and Brian tells her that this means she has been "sending out free samples without written authorization". "Authorization" shares a similar meaning with "permission". A "sample" is a small part of something that demonstrates the quality, style or nature of a product.
This statement is true. Brian accuses Donna of making "long-distance calls to (her) ex-boyfriend from the company phone". This means that she has been telephoning internationally. Donna defends herself by saying that the calls were "work-related".
Exercise 2
"I can come back if you like, or you can just send the samples up to me?"

Select the sentences below which use the term "sample" correctly.

There may be more than one correct answer!
"I can come back if you like, or you can just send the samples up to me?"

Select the sentences below which use the term "sample" correctly.

There may be more than one correct answer!
This is an incorrect statement. A "sample" should not be confused with a "copy" or "duplicate" which is a better term to use in this sentence.
This is an incorrect statement. A "sample" should not be confused with a "copy" which is a better term to use in this sentence.
This is a correct statement. "To sample (a product)" is to test or examine it, for example: As a restaurant critic, it is my job to sample each dish and write a review of the restaurant. Note that "to sample" can also mean inserting an audio segment of an original recording into a piece of music, for example: DJ Shadow sampled a lot of dialogue from John Carpenter's films into his early trip-hop tracks.
This is a correct statement. A "(urine) sample" is a small bottle (or vial) of urine that is given to the doctor so that various medical tests can be performed. In general, a "sample" refers to small piece or portion that is representative of the whole, for example: Here is a one-page sample of my writing style, but I have my autobiography in my bag if you have the time.
This is a correct statement. In this sentence, "sample" is used in a similar way to Susie's use in the audio. A "(perfume) sample" is a small portion of perfume that is intended to show the quality and nature of the whole bottle. "Free samples" are often given away for no charge by companies as a marketing device.
Exercise 3
Fill in the blanks below with the appropriate terms from the dialogue.

The first word refers to the place where wine is made. Hint: the answer is not "vineyard"! "I got locked in a . I got very, very drunk."

Next, we're looking for a verb which means "to taste a small amount" or "to do a test". "Would you like to our latest wine, madam? Here's a small taster glass for you."

Finally, let's find the term which refers to a high-quality wine originating in a certain place and a certain year. "I only drink Californian wines from the 1926 : it really is the finest year."
Fill in the blanks below with the appropriate terms from the dialogue.

The first word refers to the place where wine is made. Hint: the answer is not "vineyard"! "I got locked in a winery 1. I got very, very drunk."

Next, we're looking for a verb which means "to taste a small amount" or "to do a test". "Would you like to sample 2 our latest wine, madam? Here's a small taster glass for you."

Finally, let's find the term which refers to a high-quality wine originating in a certain place and a certain year. "I only drink Californian wines from the 1926 vintage 3: it really is the finest year."
1 winery: "Winery" is the right answer. The term "winery" describes the place where wine is made. The equivalent for beer-making is the term "brewery". Example: "I used to work in a brewery, but now I've been promoted to a very smart winery".
2 sample: "Sample" is the correct choice here. A "sample" is a small part of a product. People "test" the sample (in this example by tasting some wine), to measure the quality of the whole product. "Sample" can be used as both a verb and a noun'. Example: "I have some samples in my briefcase. Would you like to sample them?".
3 vintage: "Vintage" is the right answer. The term "vintage" refers to the wine produced in certain wineries at a certain time, and the term usually applies to very high-quality wines. "Vintage" can be used as either a noun or an adjective. Example: "Do you like vintage wine? I have the delicious 1984 vintage in the cupboard".
Exercise 4
Let's find some interesting terms from Susie's press release!

First, find the term which shares a similar meaning with "tailor made", "customised", "personalised" or "designed specifically for one person": "My grandfather wore suits made for him on Saville Row in London."

Now, type the term which means "example", "test", or "a small part" of something: "CroakaCola is giving out free of its drinks at the shopping centre - let's go get some!"
Let's find some interesting terms from Susie's press release!

First, find the term which shares a similar meaning with "tailor made", "customised", "personalised" or "designed specifically for one person": "My grandfather wore bespoke 1 suits made for him on Saville Row in London."

Now, type the term which means "example", "test", or "a small part" of something: "CroakaCola is giving out free samples 2 of its drinks at the shopping centre - let's go get some!"
1 bespoke: "Bespoke" is the term we were looking for here. Originally, the adjective "bespoke" was used to describe clothing which was "made to measure" for one person in particular. Now, it can also be used to describe other products which are "tailored" or "specially designed" to meet a client's specific needs. Example: "We offer bespoke architectural solutions".
2 samples: "Samples" is the right answer here. "Samples" are small parts of a product, or examples of something, used in order to give people a better understanding of the item as a whole. Note that there is a related verb: "to sample (a product)". Example: "Would you like to sample one of our wines?".
Exercise 5
Select the TRUE statements from the list below according to the dialogue you just heard.

There may be more than 1!
Select the TRUE statements from the list below according to the dialogue you just heard.

There may be more than 1!
This statement is false. When Kevin asks Mrs Lee, "it's almost 6 o'clock, don't you need to close the factory soon?" Mrs Lee replies, "we never stop here". This means that the China Corp doesn't close at 6pm and continues to function after this time.
This statement is false. Kevin says that he has brought some "prototype drawings" of the bottle designs to show Mrs Lee. A "prototype drawing" is a "picture" or "illustration" that shows a preliminary design. Kevin doesn't say that he has any "sample bottles" with him. A "sample" is an "example" or "model" intended to be a representative of the whole.
This statement is false. Mrs Lee tells Kevin that they do not need to import any additional materials, and that they make their "own glass right here in the factory."
This is a true statement. Mrs Lee says, "We make our own glass right here in the factory." This means that ChinaCorp manufactures the glass for the bottles they produce.

Still unsure of the best way to use 'Sample'? Improve your English thanks to our online English lessons. We offer a free test as well as a free level assessment!

What our users say:

Pleasure

         

I enjoy doing my online English lessons. Only ten minutes daily are enough...Thank you!

Innovative

         

I love your innovative method which allows me to learn a new language and have fun at the same time!

Unique

         

Your method is unique! Your courses have helped me to progress and gain confidence during my travels.

Progress

         

Gymglish has allowed me to improve my English. A daily routine I wouldn't miss for anything in the world!

More testimonials.

Test your English with Gymglish today and get a free level assessment

Absolutely free - no strings attached.

TEST YOUR ENGLISH