# Whitman's sampler

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/whitmans-sampler
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A diverse collection.

## Examples

- The bookstore offers a Whitman's sampler of different genres.
- The new music playlist is a real Whitman's sampler, featuring everything from classical piano to heavy metal.
- The professor presented a Whitman's sampler of historical documents to illustrate the complex evolution of the country's political philosophy.

## Origin

From the brand name of a popular assortment of boxed chocolates marketed in the US. The company was named after its founder, Stephen Whitman of Philadelphia.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.