sampling

noun

sam·​pling ˈsam-pliŋ 

for senses 1 & 3

-p(ə-)liŋ 

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

• cross section
• sample
• sampler
• selection
• slice

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

Every two years, a representative sampling of fourth graders and eighth graders in the United States takes the NAEP exam, which offers a snapshot of students’ math and reading progress. —Jacob Turcotte, The Christian Science Monitor, 29 Jan. 2025

His exit secured his spot on the show's wall of celebs who almost made it through the combination interview and sampling of increasingly spicy chicken wings. —Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 24 Jan. 2025

Here’s a sampling of how Trump could tackle inflation, according to economists and public policy experts. —Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 23 Jan. 2025

Here’s a sampling of ways to join in the celebrations. —Jackie Burrell, The Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1778, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing sampling

• chorionic villus sampling

Medical Definition

sampling

noun

sam·​pling ˈsam-pliŋ 

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