template

noun

tem·​plate ˈtem-plət 

1

a(1)

: a gauge, pattern, or mold (such as a thin plate or board) used as a guide to the form of a piece being made

(2)

: a molecule (as of DNA) that serves as a pattern for the generation of another macromolecule (such as messenger RNA)

b

: overlay sense c

2

: something that establishes or serves as a pattern

3

: a short piece or block placed horizontally in a wall under a beam to distribute its weight or pressure (as over a door)

Examples of template in a Sentence

The software includes templates for common marketing documents like pamphlets and flyers.

Recent Examples on the Web

The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom. —Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 10 May 2025

Trump has a good template for them with the U.K. deal. —Paul Bedard, The Washington Examiner, 10 May 2025

My legal templates business was a great idea for a product. —Omaid Homayun, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025

The report recommended that government authorities develop communication and messaging templates like those used in other natural disaster situations such as hurricanes. —Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 9 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

alteration of earlier templet in same senses (by assimilation to plate entry 1), of uncertain origin

Note: The form templet has been compared with French templet "implement on a loom for stretching cloth during weaving," a diminutive of temple in the same sense, though there is no apparent explanation for the very dissimilar senses. The relation of sense 3 (attested earlier) to sense 1 is unclear.

First Known Use

1549, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Rhymes for template

• templet

Kids Definition

template

noun

tem·​plate ˈtem-plət 

1

: a gauge, pattern, or mold (as a thin plate or board) used as a guide to the form of a piece being made

2

: something that establishes or serves as a pattern

Medical Definition

template

noun

tem·​plate ˈtem-plət 

1

also templet : a gauge, pattern, or mold used as a guide to the form of a piece being made

2

: a molecule (as of DNA) that serves as a pattern for the synthesis of another macromolecule (as messenger RNA)