model

/ˈmɒd.əl/ (UK), /ˈmɑː.dəl/ (US)

noun

  1. A small copy of something, often used to show what it looks like or how it works.

    A2
    • "The children built a model of the solar system."A2
    • "He showed us a model of the new building."B1
    • "The architect presented a detailed scale model of the proposed design."B2

  2. A person whose job is to wear clothes or pose for photographs or paintings.

    A2

    countable

    • "She works as a fashion model."A2
    • "The photographer asked the model to look at the camera."B1

  3. A system or theoretical description of how something works or is organized.

    B2

    countable

    • "The company developed a new business model."B2
    • "Scientists use mathematical models to predict the weather."C1

  4. A person or thing that is considered an excellent example of a quality or type.

    B1

    formal

    • "She is a model of honesty."B1
    • "The school is a model for other institutions in the area."B2

verb

  1. To wear clothes or pose for photographs as a model.

    A2

    intransitive or transitive

    • "She models for a clothing company."A2
    • "He modeled the new suit at the fashion show."B1

  2. To create a representation or copy of something, often using clay, software, etc.

    B2

    transitive

    • "They modeled the bridge using computer software."B2
    • "The artist modeled the sculpture in clay."C1

  3. To base something on a particular example or style.

    B2

    transitive, often passive: be modeled on/after

    • "The new park was modeled after a famous garden in Japan."B2
    • "Her leadership style is modeled on that of her mentor."C1

adjective

  1. Perfect or ideal, serving as a good example.

    B1

    formal

    • "He is a model student, always doing his homework."B1
    • "The company prides itself on its model behavior."B2

Collocations

role modelmodel behaviormodel citizenmodel studentscale modelbusiness modelfashion model

Word family

modelingmodelerremodel