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

Before this year, the technology didn’t exist to do such a comprehensive sampling of the faces, ages and people featured in advertising. —Megan Poinski, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024

Highlands has its mainstays, like tasting-menu-only Roots and Vine for a sampling of Appalachian ingredients, the cozy Ruffed Grouse Tavern where a roaring fireplace complements a deep wine list, and authentic Ristorante Paoletti for warming Northern Italian fare. —Shannon McMahon, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Dec. 2024

Before that, a sampling of Kennair’s resume includes her work as President of Production for Extracurricular, Malala Yousafzai’s entertainment company overseeing projects like the AppleTV+ doc, The Last of the Sea Women with A24, and the Independent Spirit Award Winning Film, Joyland. —Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 12 Dec. 2024

Experience the elegance of a traditional Victorian afternoon tea with samplings, etiquette lessons, and a mansion tour. —Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 11 Dec. 2024

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