Samples are small portions or examples taken from a larger group or population. They are often used in research, testing, or analysis to represent the whole. For instance, in a scientific study, a researcher might collect samples of soil from different locations to understand the overall quality of the land. In various fields, such as music or fashion, samples can refer to snippets or pieces that showcase a larger work. A music sample might be a short excerpt from a song used in a new track, while a fashion sample could be a prototype of a clothing item displayed before mass production.