SAM-pling
/ˈsæmplɪŋ/
sampling is pronounced SAM-pling (/ˈsæmplɪŋ/). Sampling refers to the act of selecting a representative portion from a larger set for analysis, testing, or demonstration. In audio and music, it means recording snippets to use as a component in a larger track. It can also describe the process of taking a sample for laboratory or statistical purposes. The term emphasizes a portion chosen to reflect the whole.
Sampling refers to the act of selecting a representative portion from a larger set for analysis, testing, or demonstration. In audio and music, it means recording snippets to use as a component in a larger track. It can also describe the process of taking a sample for laboratory or statistical purposes. The term emphasizes a portion chosen to reflect the whole.
- You may overemphasize the first syllable, making it sound like SAM-pling. Keep SAM bright but not overdone; the second syllable should be lighter, with a reduced vowel (ə). - Some learners insert an extra vowel between p and l (e.g., sam-puh-ling); aim for a quick p-l transition with a subtle schwa in the middle. - Avoid tensing the final -ing; maintain relaxed mouth posture and a clear /ɪŋ/.
"Researchers conducted random sampling to estimate the population mean."
"The producer laid down a drum loop by sampling a vintage record."
"We used stratified sampling to ensure all subgroups were represented."
Pronounce as SAM-pəl-ing, with primary stress on SAM. IPA: US /ˈsæm.pəl.ɪŋ/, UK /ˈsæm.pəl.ɪŋ/, AU /ˈsæm.pəl.ɪŋ/. The first syllable uses a short a as in dad, a light “pəl” with a schwa in the second syllable, and a soft “ing” ending. Keep the lips relaxed for the final -ing and avoid adding extra vowels after the g.
Common mistakes include over-articulating the first syllable or turning the middle 'p' into a stronger aspirated sound than needed. Also, some say ‘sam-pling’ with a reduced final -ing; ensure you pronounce the full -ing. Correct by keeping the middle syllable unstressed, maintaining a short, lax 'ə' in the second syllable, and ending with a clear /ɪŋ/ rather than a nasalized sound.
In US, UK, and AU, the primary stress stays on the first syllable /ˈsæm.pəl.ɪŋ/. Differences lie in vowel quality: US tends to a slightly tenser /æ/ and a reduced /ə/ in the second syllable; UK often has a more centralized /ə/; AU is similar to US but may have a more relaxed vi/centralized vowel. The final /ɪŋ/ is consistent across, with minor vowel timing variations.
Difficult because of the cluster /m.p/ followed by /əl/ and /ɪŋ/, which require precise timing: you need a quick but relaxed transition from the nasal /m/ into the bilabial /p/ and then into a schwa-like /ə/ before the velar /l/ and the final /ɪŋ/. Misplacing stress or adding extra vowel sound after /m/ can distort the word. Focus on a smooth, even rhythm across syllables.
The main unique feature is maintaining the sequence of rapid but distinct consonants /m/ and /p/ in the first two syllables, then a light, unstressed /əl/ before the /ɪŋ/ ending. Ensure the /p/ doesn’t become a strong aspirated plosive, and keep the /əl/ as a relaxed schwa-plus-elision if comfortable, so the ending remains crisp without sounding clipped.
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US: Slightly more rhotic, preserve clear /ɪŋ/ and a slightly louder first syllable. UK: Slightly non-rhotic; the /r/ is silent and the /ə/ in second syllable may be slightly more centralized. AU: Similar to US, with a relaxed jaw and a tendency toward a slightly rounded lip shape on /æ/ before /m/. IPA references: US /ˈsæm.pəl.ɪŋ/, UK /ˈsæm.pəl.ɪŋ/, AU /ˈsæm.pəl.ɪŋ/.
Sampling comes from the verb sample, which originates from the late 17th century French word essample meaning a specimen or example, and from Latin exemplum meaning an example or model. The sense evolution tracks through English usage in the 18th century where “sampling” referred to taking a representative sample in science or commerce. In the 20th century, the word gained a specialized technical sense in statistics and quality control, and by mid-20th century, in audio production, the term described taking short audio fragments to reuse. The root idea remains selecting a small part that stands in for the whole. The modern noun form sampling entered common use as the gerund of sample, with first documented usage aligning with experimental design and later with digital audio workplaces as sampling hardware and software became prevalent.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "sampling" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "sampling" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "sampling"
-ing sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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