An example means a specific instance of something that helps explain or demonstrate a larger idea. When your teacher shows you an example of a well-written paragraph, she's giving you a real piece of writing to study so you understand what “well-written” actually looks like.

Examples make abstract concepts concrete. If someone says “be kind,” that's advice, but if they describe helping a new student find the cafeteria, that's an example of kindness you can picture and learn from. Math teachers use examples constantly: they don't just explain how to solve equations, they work through example problems step by step.

The word can also mean a person whose behavior others should follow. When adults say “set a good example,” they mean act in ways worth copying. An older sibling who studies hard and treats others well serves as an example to younger kids in the family.

You can also use example when listing things: “I play several instruments, for example, piano and violin.” This signals you're mentioning just a few items from a larger group.

The phrase “make an example of” has a harsher meaning: punishing someone publicly so others learn not to make the same mistake. This usage carries a warning tone that the standard meaning doesn't have.