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template

n. · v.
US //ˈtɛmpɫeɪt// UK //tˈɛmpleɪt// tem·plate
  1. 1 a physical guide (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a physical object with a specific shape that you use as a guide to cut or draw the same shape many times.

    a physical pattern or gauge, such as a piece of wood or metal, used as a guide for shaping or marking out work accurately.

    Example

    The carpenter used a wooden template to cut the curved legs for the chairs.

    Example

    The stonemason carefully aligned the zinc template against the block to ensure every arch segment matched the master design precisely.
  2. 2 a digital document (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Computing

    a computer file that already has a layout and style, which you use to start a new document quickly.

    a pre-formatted file or document structure that serves as a starting point for new content, ensuring consistency in layout and style.

    Example

    I used a resume template so I didn't have to worry about the design.

    Example

    The marketing department released a standardized slide template to ensure all corporate presentations maintained a unified visual identity.
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  1. 3 a model or example (n.)
    C1 Advanced Academic

    a plan or example that people can follow to achieve a similar result.

    a conceptual model or pattern that serves as a basis for others to emulate or derive from.

    Example

    The success of the local library became a template for other towns in the region.

    Example

    The peace treaty was hailed as a potential template for resolving similar territorial disputes across the continent.
  2. 4 programming (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Computing

    a piece of code that can be used for different types of data without rewriting it.

    a generic class or function definition that allows for compile-time polymorphism by accepting different data types as arguments.

    Example

    The developer wrote a template to handle different types of lists in the application.

    Example

    By utilizing C++ templates, the engineering team reduced code duplication while maintaining high performance for various numeric data types.
  3. 5 biology (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    a molecule that acts as a pattern for making a new molecule.

    a macromolecule, such as DNA, that provides a structural pattern for the synthesis of another molecule.

    Example

    During cell division, one strand of DNA acts as a template for the new one.

    Example

    The enzyme moves along the DNA template, assembling a complementary strand of messenger RNA during the transcription process.
  4. 6 to create a pattern (v.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    to create a standard pattern or guide for others to use.

    to establish or provide a standardized pattern or format for a process or document.

    Example

    We need to template our reporting process to save time every month.

    Example

    The project manager sought to template the onboarding procedure to ensure no critical steps were overlooked during rapid hiring phases.

    Usage

    Often used in business or technical contexts regarding workflow.
Origin

Alteration of templet, probably from French templet, diminutive of temple (“a weaver's stretcher”), variant of tempe, from Latin tempora (“temple”). Alteration of second syllable due to analogy with plate. Cognate with Faroese tamba (“to stretch out, relax”), Icelandic þamb (“a stretched, bloated, or extended belly”).

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