sampling

noun

sam·​pling ˈsam-pliŋ How to pronounce sampling (audio)
for senses 1 & 3
-p(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce sampling (audio)
Synonyms of samplingnext
1
: the act, process, or technique of selecting a suitable sample
specifically : the act, process, or technique of selecting a representative part of a population for the purpose of determining parameters or characteristics of the whole population
2
: a small part selected as a sample for inspection or analysis
ask a sampling of people which candidate they favor
3
: the introduction or promotion of a product by distributing trial packages of it

Synonyms

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Examples of sampling in a Sentence

The reporter asked a sampling of people about their eating habits. a sampling of the menu's entrées We were given a sampling of the food. The band does a lot of sampling.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The eclectic sampling of distinct visions reiterates that what’s being told is just as significant as how it’s being presented. — Carlos Aguilar, IndieWire, 8 Mar. 2025 Taste a sampling of their distinct bottlings (the Pét-Nat is a personal favorite) or sign up for one of Johan Vineyard's calendar events, like Lambapalooza (May 10)—a kid-friendly program with farm manager, Nathan Wood that weaves together wine and the estate's resident baby sheep. — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2025 Read on to see what a sampling of anonymous Academy members are voting for at the 2025 Oscars. — EW.com, 26 Feb. 2025 The survey for the Metropolitan Transportation Commission asked a sampling of voters likely to participate in the 2026 election to review three tax frameworks designed to save transit agencies from financial collapse. — Adrian Rodriguez, The Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sampling

Word History

First Known Use

1778, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sampling was in 1778

Phrases Containing sampling

Rhymes for sampling

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Browse Nearby Words

sampling
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Cite this Entry

“Sampling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sampling. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

sampling

noun
sam·​pling ˈsam-pliŋ How to pronounce sampling (audio)
1
: the act, process, or technique of selecting a suitable sample
specifically : the act, process, or technique of selecting a representative part of a population for the purpose of determining parameters or characteristics of the whole population
2
: sample
obtain a sampling of urine

More from Merriam-Webster on sampling

Nglish: Translation of sampling for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sampling

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