sample

A small amount taken from something so you can try it, examine it, or test its quality.

• The shop gave me a free sample.
• The nurse collected two blood samples.
• Can you send me a sample of the fabric?

How to use it: a sample of something (They tested a sample of the water.)

Similar words: specimen

Common phrases: blood sample, free sample, take a sample, writing sample

A smaller group chosen from a larger group to study and learn about the whole group.

• The study used a small sample.
• We selected a random sample of voters.
• Larger samples usually give more reliable results.

How to use it: a sample of people/things (The researchers interviewed a sample of local residents.)

Common phrases: random sample, sample size, representative sample

To try or test a small amount of something to find out what it is like.

• Would you like to sample the cheese?
• We sampled several local dishes.
• Scientists sample the river water every week.

Similar words: try, test, taste

Common phrases: sample the wine, sample local food, sample the water