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sampler
This term describes a curated selection designed to showcase variety, whether in art, music, or gastronomy. In a culinary context, it implies a tasting experience where small portions are served to avoid the commitment of a full-sized dish, often associated with appetizers or desserts.
In the context of music and technology, the word shifts from a collection of works to a specific tool. A digital sampler is an instrument that captures audio, making the term a technical designation for hardware or software rather than a descriptive term for a compilation. In textile arts, it refers to a historical practice of documenting skill, serving as a physical record of a needleworker's proficiency.
Meanings
A collection of short excerpts or samples from a larger body of work, such as a music album or a literary collection, intended to provide a representative overview.
The artist released a sampler of her new album to generate interest before the full release.
A small set of food items or drinks offered to allow a customer to taste several different varieties.
We ordered the dessert sampler so we could try the cheesecake, brownie, and tart.
A device or electronic instrument used to record a short sound and play it back at different pitches or rhythms.
The producer used a digital sampler to loop a drum beat from an old vinyl record.
A piece of embroidery produced as a sample of a person's needlework, often containing various stitches and patterns.
The antique sampler displayed a variety of floral motifs and a date from the 1800s.