Definitions
1.NounSomething that is representative of all such things in a group.
2.NounSomething that serves to illustrate or explain a rule.
3.NounSomething that serves as a pattern of behaviour to be imitated (a good example) or not to be imitated (a bad example)."Nelson Mandela was an example for many to follow."
4.NounA person punished as a warning to others.
5.NounA parallel or closely similar case, especially when serving as a precedent or model.
6.NounAn instance (as a problem to be solved) serving to illustrate the rule or precept or to act as an exercise in the application of the rule.
7.VerbTo be illustrated or exemplified (by). (Can we add an example for this sense?)