# modeling

/ˈmɑdəˌɫɪŋ/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/modeling
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. fashion industry

noun · CEFR B1 · American English

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

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

- She started modeling when she was a teenager and soon appeared in magazines.
- The agency specializes in high-fashion modeling, representing individuals who appear on international runways and in major advertising campaigns.

### 2. computer or math simulation

noun · CEFR B2 · American English · Academic

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

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

- Scientists use computer modeling to predict how the weather will change.
- Sophisticated financial modeling allows the firm to assess risk across various market scenarios before committing capital to new ventures.

### 3. making physical models

noun · CEFR B1 · American English

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

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

- He spends his weekends modeling small wooden ships from the 1800s.
- The architectural firm used 3D modeling to create a physical scale version of the proposed stadium for the city council meeting.

### 4. learning by imitation

noun · CEFR C1 · American English · Academic

learning a new behavior by watching and copying someone else.

For teachers: the process of learning through the observation and imitation of others.

- Parents provide modeling for their children by showing them how to be kind.
- The therapist used social modeling to help the patient develop more effective communication strategies in high-stress environments.

## Examples

- Computer modeling helps scientists predict the weather.
- The engineering team used 3D modeling to test the bridge design before construction began on the actual site.
- Advanced climate modeling requires immense processing power to simulate the complex interactions between oceanic currents and atmospheric pressure systems over several decades.

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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.