specimen applies to any example or sample whether representative or merely existent and available.

Idiom set an example (Definition of example from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

EXAMPLE definition: one of a number of things, or a part of something, taken to show the character of the whole. See examples of example used in a sentence.

An example is a typically representative part that demonstrates the character of the whole: "Of the despotism to which unrestrained military power leads we have plenty of examples from Alexander to …

An example of something is a particular situation, object, or person which shows that what is being claimed is true.

Dec 7, 2025 · From Middle English example, exaumple, from Old French example, essaumple, from Latin exemplum (“sample, pattern, specimen, copy for imitation, etc.”, literally “what is taken out”); …

Dec 30, 2024 · An "example" is a demonstration of a principle or concept, often used to clarify a point or model behavior. People use examples in everyday conversation, education, and professional …

Example definition: One that is representative of a group as a whole.

If you make an example of a person who has done something wrong, you punish that person as a way of warning other people not to do the same thing. Although it was only his first offense, the judge …

There are 16 meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun example, three of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.