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Meaning & use

template

noun·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˈtempleɪt/
US/ˈtɛmˌpleɪt/

Meanings

  1. nouncountablecomputing

    A ready-made layout or file that you copy and fill in so you do not start from nothing.

    Grammar: Often followed by for: a template for invoices.

    Patterns

    • a template for something
    • use a template

    I used a free template to design my resume.

    The school sends parents a letter template each term.

    Save the file as a template so you can reuse the layout.

  2. nouncountable

    A shaped piece of card, metal or plastic used as a guide for cutting or drawing the same shape again and again.

    Grammar: Used for physical guides in crafts and building: trace around the template.

    Patterns

    • cut around a template
    • trace a template

    She cut the fabric using a paper template.

    The carpenter traced the template onto each plank.

    Children drew around a star template to make decorations.

  3. nouncountablefigurative

    A model or standard that other things are based on or copied from.

    Grammar: Often used figuratively: serve as a template for something.

    Patterns

    • a template for something
    • serve as a template

    The city's recycling plan became a template for others across the country.

    This agreement could serve as a template for future deals.

    His first novel set the template for the whole series.

  4. nouncountablebiologytechnical

    In biology, a strand of DNA or RNA that is copied to make a new strand.

    Grammar: Used with a scientific meaning: the template strand.

    Patterns

    • a template strand
    • a template for something

    The enzyme reads the DNA template to build a new strand.

    Each original strand acts as a template for the new one.

    Errors in the template can pass into the copy.

Word forms

pluraltemplates

Common combinations

use a template
You can use a template to speed up your presentation.
download a template
Download the template and fill in your details.
resume template
She picked a clean resume template.
serve as a template
The project could serve as a template for other schools.
a blank template
He sent a blank template to every team member.
template strand
The template strand is read in one direction.

Synonyms and how they differ

pattern
Pattern is a broader word and often suggests a design to follow in sewing or repetition, whereas template points to a ready-made guide or file.
model
A model is an example to copy or admire, while a template is a framework you fill in.
blueprint
A blueprint is a detailed plan for building or achieving something, which is bigger than a simple layout.
mold
A mold gives a physical shape to liquid material, whereas a template only guides shape or layout.

Word family

templating noun
the process of generating documents or web pages from templates
templated adjective
made from or following a template

Commonly confused: template or temple?

template vs temple

Temple looks similar, but it is a place of worship or the side of the forehead. A template is a guide or pattern.

Practice

Our manager gave us a ______ so every report would have the same layout.

Make it your own

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