ENGLISH
REFERENCE

modeling

n.
US //ˈmɑdəˌɫɪŋ// mod·el·ing
  1. 1 fashion industry (n.)
    B1 Intermediate American English

    the job of wearing clothes or posing for photos to help sell products.

    the profession of posing for photographers or wearing clothes to demonstrate fashion designs.

    Example

    She started modeling when she was a teenager and soon appeared in magazines.

    Example

    The agency specializes in high-fashion modeling, representing individuals who appear on international runways and in major advertising campaigns.

  2. 2 computer or math simulation (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate American English Academic Computing

    using a computer or math to show how a real system works.

    the process of creating a mathematical or computer-based representation of a physical system or process.

    Example

    Scientists use computer modeling to predict how the weather will change.

    Example

    Sophisticated financial modeling allows the firm to assess risk across various market scenarios before committing capital to new ventures.

  3. 3 making physical models (n.)
    B1 Intermediate American English

    the hobby or art of making small versions of things like planes or cars.

    the activity of making three-dimensional representations of objects, often as a hobby or for artistic study.

    Example

    He spends his weekends modeling small wooden ships from the 1800s.

    Example

    The architectural firm used 3D modeling to create a physical scale version of the proposed stadium for the city council meeting.

  4. 4 learning by imitation (n.)
    C1 Advanced American English Academic

    learning a new behavior by watching and copying someone else.

    the process of learning through the observation and imitation of others.

    Example

    Parents provide modeling for their children by showing them how to be kind.

    Example

    The therapist used social modeling to help the patient develop more effective communication strategies in high-stress environments.

Origin

From model + -ing.

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

Related words

Last updated June 20, 2026