English Reference
noun · verb · adjective

model

n. · v. · adj.
US /ˈmɑdəɫ/ UK /mˈɒdəl/ mod·el UK spelling model's, model's

  1. 01 A1 Beginner

    n.a small physical copy of an object, like a car or a building.

    n.a three-dimensional representation of an object, typically on a smaller scale than the original.

    Simple

    He spent the weekend building a model of a classic sailing ship.

    In context

    The architect presented a detailed scale model of the proposed stadium to the city council to illustrate the project's impact on the skyline.

  2. 02 A2 Elementary

    n.a person whose job is to wear clothes or pose for pictures.

    n.a person employed to display clothes by wearing them or to pose for an artist or photographer.

    Simple

    The model walked down the runway wearing a bright red dress.

    In context

    The photographer spent hours adjusting the studio lights to capture the model's features against the minimalist backdrop.

  3. 03 A2 Elementary

    n.a specific type or version of a product, like a car or phone.

    n.a particular design or version of a manufactured product.

    Simple

    This is the newest model of the phone, and it has a better camera.

    In context

    The company discontinued the older model after sales plummeted following the release of a more energy-efficient alternative.

  4. 04 B1 Intermediate

    n.a person or thing that is a great example for others to copy.

    n.a person or thing regarded as an excellent example of a particular quality or a standard to be imitated.

    Simple

    The school is a model of good behavior and hard work.

    In context

    The local clinic has become a model for rural healthcare delivery, with several international delegations visiting to study its efficiency.

  5. 05 B2 Upper Intermediate Academic Science

    n.a way of describing how something works, often using math or computers.

    n.a simplified description, especially a mathematical one, of a system or process to assist calculations and predictions.

    Simple

    Scientists use a computer model to predict how the weather will change.

    In context

    Economists developed a new model to simulate the effects of interest rate hikes on consumer spending across different income brackets.

  6. 06 C1 Advanced Technical Biology

    n.an animal or plant used by scientists to study a disease or how the body works.

    n.an organism or species used in research to study specific biological phenomena or diseases.

    Simple

    Mice are often used as a model to study how new medicines work.

    In context

    The fruit fly remains a vital genetic model for researchers investigating the fundamental mechanisms of aging and cellular decay.

  7. 07 B1 Intermediate

    v.to wear clothes to show them to other people as a job.

    v.to display a garment or accessory by wearing it; to work as a fashion model.

    Simple

    She started to model professionally when she was eighteen years old.

    In context

    The agency requested that she model the winter collection during the upcoming trade show in Paris.

  8. 08 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to make something out of a soft material like clay.

    v.to fashion or shape a figure or object from a malleable substance.

    Simple

    The children learned how to model small animals out of clay.

    In context

    The sculptor spent months modeling the clay prototype before casting the final statue in bronze.

  9. 09 B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    adj.being a perfect example of something.

    adj.serving as a perfect or exemplary pattern to be imitated.

    Simple

    He was a model student who always finished his homework on time.

    In context

    The city was praised for its model response to the natural disaster, which minimized casualties through clear communication and rapid deployment.

Usage models trained · model created · model simulations


From Middle French modelle, from Old Italian modello, from Vulgar Latin *modellus, diminutive form of modulus (“measure, standard”), diminutive of modus (“measure”); see mode, and compare module, modulus, mould, mold.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin la-vul *modellus
Level A1 · Beginner
Frequency Very common
Updated