noun
Common
sampling
SAHM-puh-lihng
Sampling (noun) means the process of selecting a smaller group from a larger population to study or measure. Example: “Careful sampling of shoppers gave the survey a fair picture of local habits.”
noun
1
The process of selecting a smaller group from a larger population to study or measure.
"Careful sampling of shoppers gave the survey a fair picture of local habits."
"Quality inspectors rely on sampling because testing every bottle would take far too long."
"Random sampling helped the researchers avoid bias in their results."
2
The technique of measuring a signal at regular intervals to convert it into digital form.
"A higher sampling rate captures more detail from the original sound wave."
"Sampling turns a smooth analogue signal into a long series of numbers."
"CD audio uses a sampling rate of 44,100 times per second."
3
The practice of reusing short clips from existing recordings in new music, especially hip-hop.
"Her sampling of an old drum break gave the track its groove."
"Sampling is how he built the whole beat from tiny snippets of vinyl records."
"Sampling old jazz records became a signature of the genre."
How to use sampling
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTaking a smaller, representative slice of something bigger — whether that's data, sound, or a population.
Common pairings
sampling rate
sampling method
random sampling
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Word forms
- Plural
- samplings
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Careful _____ of shoppers gave the survey a fair picture of local habits.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for sampling
See all rhymes for sampling →Frequently asked questions
What does “sampling” mean?
The word “sampling” means the process of selecting a smaller group from a larger population to study or measure. In plain terms, taking a smaller, representative slice of something bigger — whether that's data, sound, or a population.
How do you pronounce “sampling”?
“Sampling” is pronounced SAHM-puh-lihng (/ˈsæmpəlɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “sampling” in a sentence?
Here is “sampling” used in a sentence: “Random sampling helped the researchers avoid bias in their results.”
What part of speech is “sampling”?
“Sampling” is a noun.
Is “sampling” a common word?
“Sampling” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “sampling” have?
“Sampling” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the process of selecting a smaller group from a larger population to study or measure.
What is the difference between "sampling" in statistics and "sampling" in music?
In statistics and research, sampling means selecting a smaller group from a larger population to study or measure, allowing conclusions about the whole from a manageable subset. In music, especially hip-hop, sampling means reusing short clips from existing recordings to build a new track, which is a creative and technical process rather than a measurement one.
What is sampling in the context of digital audio or signal processing?
In signal processing, sampling refers to measuring a signal at regular intervals to convert it into digital form, which is the basis of how sound and other analog signals become digital data. This technical sense is distinct from statistical sampling and musical sampling, though all three share the idea of taking discrete pieces from a continuous whole.
Why is sampling used in research instead of studying an entire population?
Sampling is used because studying an entire population is often impractical, expensive, or time-consuming, so researchers select a representative smaller group instead. A well-chosen sample can still produce reliable conclusions about the larger population it was drawn from.
