Model
/ˈmɒdl/
Definitions
5 meaningsA three-dimensional representation of a person or thing or of a proposed structure, typically on a smaller scale than the original.
/ˈmɒdl/
A representation of something, often on a smaller scale.
The child played with a model of a dinosaur.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're building a Lego castle. The Lego castle is the *model* of what you want your real castle to look like, even though the real one is way bigger!
👶 For kids: A small copy of something.
More Examples
The engineer built a model of the bridge.
She used a model to show the design of the new dress.
How It's Used
"The architect presented a model of the new building to the clients."
"Scientists created a computer model of the climate to predict future changes."
A person employed to display clothes and other products or to pose for a painter or sculptor.
/ˈmɒdl/
A person who poses for artists or photographers.
The model walked gracefully down the runway.
💡 Simply: Think of someone on a catwalk wearing the latest clothes. That person is a *model* showing off the outfits.
👶 For kids: A person who shows off clothes or poses for pictures.
More Examples
The photographer instructed the model to change her pose.
She is a famous model and has been in many magazines.
How It's Used
"The magazine hired a professional model for the fashion shoot."
"The artist needed a model to pose for his painting."
A person or thing regarded as an excellent example to be emulated.
/ˈmɒdl/
A particular system or thing that is regarded as an example to be imitated.
The school's success became a model for other institutions.
💡 Simply: If you're trying to learn how to play the piano, you might use a famous pianist as a *model*—you're trying to play like them!
👶 For kids: An example to follow.
More Examples
Her volunteer work is a model for community involvement.
The artist's paintings were a model for aspiring painters.
How It's Used
"The company used the successful competitor as a model for their own expansion plan."
"He is a model of honesty and integrity."
To create a three-dimensional or computer-generated representation of (a thing or process).
/ˈmɒdl/
To create a representation of something.
The team will model the behavior of the market.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're playing a video game and designing a car. You're *modeling* the car, creating its look and functionality.
👶 For kids: To make a copy or pretend.
More Examples
They modeled the traffic flow to improve the city's road design.
Researchers are using data to model the effects of the pandemic.
How It's Used
"Scientists model climate change using complex equations."
"The software is used to model data trends."
To be displayed by a model.
/ˈmɒdl/
To pose.
She is going to model the new collection of dresses.
💡 Simply: A person *models* something like a dress if they're showing it to other people.
👶 For kids: To show off something.
More Examples
The artist asked her to model for the statue.
He has modeled for several years.
How It's Used
"She modeled for the portrait artist for hours."
Idioms & expressions
model citizen
A person who exemplifies good citizenship and follows laws and social norms.
"He was considered a model citizen, always volunteering and helping others."
From Middle French *modèle*, from Italian *modello*, from Latin *modulus* ('a measure, standard').
The word 'model' has evolved from its use in art and architecture to encompass scientific and abstract representations.
Memory tip
Think of a miniature replica; a model helps visualize the real thing.