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 demonstration of a principle or concept, often used to clarify a point or model behavior. People use examples in everyday conversation, education, and professional contexts to illustrate ideas.
If you make an example of a person who has done something wrong, you punish that person as a way of warning other people not to do the same thing. Although it was only his first offense, the judge decided to make an example of him and sentence him to prison.
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.
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).