Learn the definition, synonyms, collocations, and usage of the word estimate in American English. Find examples, translations, and forum discussions of estimate and related terms. Estimation is often done by sampling, which is counting a small number from a selected subset, and projecting that number onto a larger population. [1] An example of estimation would be determining how many candies of a given size are in a glass jar. Because the distribution of candies inside the jar may vary, the observer can count the number of candies visible through the glass, consider the size of the jar, and presume that a similar distribution can be found in the parts that can not be ... ESTIMATE meaning: 1. to guess or calculate the cost, size, value, etc. of something: 2. a guess of what the size…. Learn more. Estimate definition: to form an approximate judgment or opinion regarding the worth, amount, size, weight, etc., of; calculate approximately.. See examples of ESTIMATE used in a sentence.