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¹model

noun mod·el \ˈmä-d^əl\

: a usually small copy of something

: a particular type or version of a product (such as a car or computer)

: a set of ideas and numbers that describe the past, present, or future state of something (such as an economy or a business)

Full Definition of MODEL

obsolete : a set of plans for a building

dial British : copy, image

: structural design <a home on the model of an old farmhouse>

: a usually miniature representation of something; also : a pattern of something to be made

: an example for imitation or emulation

: a person or thing that serves as a pattern for an artist; especially : one who poses for an artist

: archetype

: an organism whose appearance a mimic imitates

: one who is employed to display clothes or other merchandise

a : a type or design of clothing

b : a type or design of product (as a car)

: a description or analogy used to help visualize something (as an atom) that cannot be directly observed

: a system of postulates, data, and inferences presented as a mathematical description of an entity or state of affairs; also : a computer simulation based on such a system <climate models>

: version 3

: animal model

See model defined for English-language learners

See model defined for kids

Origin of MODEL

Middle French modelle, from Old Italian modello, from Vulgar Latin *modellus, from Latin modulus small measure, from modus

First Known Use: 1575

Related to MODEL

Synonyms: miniature

Synonym Discussion of MODEL

model, example, pattern, exemplar, ideal mean someone or something set before one for guidance or imitation. model applies to something taken or proposed as worthy of imitation <a decor that is a model of good taste>. example applies to a person to be imitated or in some contexts on no account to be imitated but to be regarded as a warning <children tend to follow the example of their parents>. pattern suggests a clear and detailed archetype or prototype <American industry set a pattern for others to follow>. exemplar suggests either a faultless example to be emulated or a perfect typification <cited Joan of Arc as the exemplar of courage>. ideal implies the best possible exemplification either in reality or in conception <never found a job that matched his ideal>.

Rhymes with MODEL

coddle, noddle, swaddle, toddle, twaddle, waddle

²model

verb

: to design (something) so that it is similar to something else

: to make a small copy of (something) : to create a model of (something)

: to make something by forming or shaping clay or some other material

modeled or modelledmodel·ing or model·ling \ˈmäd-liŋ, ˈmä-d^əl-iŋ\

Full Definition of MODEL

transitive verb

: to plan or form after a pattern : shape

archaic : to make into an organization (as an army, government, or parish)

a : to shape or fashion in a plastic material

b : to produce a representation or simulation of <using a computer to model a problem>

: to construct or fashion in imitation of a particular model <modeled its constitution on that of the United States>

: to display by wearing, using, or posing with <modeled gowns>

intransitive verb

: to design or imitate forms : make a pattern <enjoys modeling in clay>

: to work or act as a fashion or art model

— mod·el·er also mod·el·ler \ˈmäd-lər, ˈmä-d^əl-ər\ noun

See model defined for English-language learners

First Known Use of MODEL

1625

Rhymes with MODEL

toddle, twaddle, waddle

³model

adjective

: deserving to be copied by others : very good or excellent

—used to describe something that is a small copy of something larger

Full Definition of MODEL

: serving as or capable of serving as a pattern <a model student>

: being a usually miniature representation of something <a model airplane>

See model defined for English-language learners

First Known Use of MODEL

1844

Related to MODEL

Synonyms: archetypal (also archetypical), classic, definitive, exemplary, imitable, paradigmatic, quintessential, textbook

MODEL Defined for Kids

¹model

noun mod·el \ˈmä-d^əl\

Definition of MODEL for Kids

: a small but exact copy of a thing

: a pattern or figure of something to be made

: a person who sets a good example <Their daughter is a model of politeness.>

: a person who poses for an artist or photographer

: a person who wears and displays garments that are for sale

: a special type of a product <Our car is a recent model.>

Synonym Discussion of MODEL

model, example, and ideal mean something that serves as guidance or imitation. model is used for a thing or person very worthy of imitation. <That school system can be a model for the whole state.> example usually means that the person, act, or conduct is likely to be copied, even though this may not always be a good thing. <Parents are examples for their children.> ideal is used for something, either real or imagined, considered to be the best of its kind that can exist. <She is the ideal of beauty.>