template

or tem·plet

[ tem-plit ]

noun

1. a pattern, mold, or the like, usually consisting of a thin plate of wood or metal, serving as a gauge or guide in mechanical work.
2. anything that determines or serves as a pattern; a model:

   You can use my notes as a template for employee evaluations.

3. Building Trades. a horizontal piece, as of timber or stone, in a wall, to receive and distribute the pressure of a girder, beam, or the like.
4. Shipbuilding. either of two wedges in each of the temporary blocks forming the support for the keel of a ship while building.
5. Aerial Photogrammetry. any object having lines, slots, or straightedges to represent lines radiating from the center of a photograph, used for graphic triangulation.
6. Genetics. a strand of DNA or RNA that serves as a pattern for the synthesis of a complementary strand of nucleic acid or protein.
7. Computers.
   1. a small sheet or strip of cardboard, plastic, or the like, that fits over a portion of the keyboard and provides ready reference to the keystroke commands of a particular software program.
   2. an electronic file with a predesigned, customized format and structure, as for a fax, letter, or expense report, ready to be filled in.
8. Also called safe. a marble base for a toilet.

template

/ ˈtɛmplɪt /

noun

1. a gauge or pattern, cut out in wood or metal, used in woodwork, etc, to help shape something accurately
2. a pattern cut out in card or plastic, used in various crafts to reproduce shapes
3. a short beam, made of metal, wood, or stone, that is used to spread a load, as over a doorway
4. biochem the molecular structure of a compound that serves as a pattern for the production of the molecular structure of another specific compound in a reaction

template

/ tĕm′plĭt /

1. A molecule of a nucleic acid, such as DNA, that serves as a pattern for the synthesis of another molecule of a nucleic acid.

Word History and Origins

Origin of template¹

1670–80; alteration of templet, apparently by falsely etymologizing final syllable as plate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of template¹

C17 templet (later spelling influenced by plate ), probably from French, diminutive of temple ³

Example Sentences

Hsiao’s handmade ceramics and figurines, many of which she cuts out using a cardboard template after rolling the clay flat with a slab roller, exhibit a playful style that is thoroughly her own.

From Los Angeles Times

He ran his firm out of a coworking space, used templates for legal documents and paid lawyers from the Philippines and other parts of the developing world hourly rates of about $10.

From Los Angeles Times

But Imagineers noted that the ride was plotted using Disneyland’s version of Splash Mountain as the template.

From Los Angeles Times

To begin there already “normalizes” this race by cramming it into a familiar and reassuring political template.

From Salon

The band followed their debut EP with “Murmur,” a 1983 album of melancholy mystery that had no precedent, and became a template for the generation of guitar bands that followed.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• arrangement

More About Template

What does template mean?

A template is a pattern, model, or guide for the creation of some kind of project.

Template is most commonly used in a general way, but it has many specific meanings depending on the context it is being used in.

Example: When creating your résumé, don’t start from scratch—use a template so that you can make sure you format it properly.

Where does template come from?

The first records of template come from the 1670s. It’s an alteration of the word templet that was influenced by the word plate. Templet may come from a French word that refers to a part of a loom, but the ultimate origin is unknown.

The word template can be used in almost countless contexts. Anything that serves as a pattern to make something can be called a template. Traditionally, templates have been physical objects used to create other physical objects, but now they also often take the form of specialized software to create things like designs and documents.

Template has a more specific meaning in many different fields and trades. In construction, a template is a horizontal piece of a wall that distributes the pressure of a beam. In shipbuilding, a template is used to support the frame of the ship while it’s being built. In genetics, a template is a strand of DNA or RNA that serves as a pattern for the creation of similar strands.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to template?

• templet (former spelling)

What are some synonyms for template?

• pattern
• model
• guide

What are some words that may share a root or word element with template? 

• temple

What are some words that often get used in discussing template?

 

• create
• fabricate
• form
• input
• stencil
• diagram

How is template used in real life?

Template is most commonly used in a general way to refer to a pattern that allows something more specific to be created, but it has many different specific uses.

Online course creators, how did you go about branding and designing your course?

DIY?
Hired a designer?
Used a template?
Canva?
Google docs?

— Kristen Ashton ⚡️ (@stillpixels) March 5, 2020

best software /template for a tv treatment?

— Aimée Kelly (@aimeemkelly) June 25, 2019

Tip of the Day: Use sandpaper with adhesive on the back to place on the backside of each quilting template to prevent slipping.

— Bonnie Keown (@ednasquilts) December 16, 2010

 

 

Try using template!

Which of the following words is NOT a synonym for template?

A. guide
B. pattern
C. product
D. model