specimen

/ˈspɛsɪmɪn/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: specimens · specimina

Sense 1

Meaning · English

An individual instance that represents a class; an example.

Noun

Examples

early specimens of the art of Picasso

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

An individual instance that represents a class; an example. — A banknote printed for distribution to central banks to aid in the recognition of banknotes from a country other than their own

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “specimen” mean?

An individual instance that represents a class; an example.

Is “specimen” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.