1 [+ obj] : to design (something) so that it is similar to something else — + on or (chiefly US) after ▪ They modeled their educational system on the U.S. system. [=they used the U.S. system as a model when they created their educational system] ▪ His best dish is closely modeled on his mother's recipe. [=is based on and very similar to his mother's recipe] ▪ The church was modeled after an earlier French design. 2 [+ obj] a : to make a small copy of (something) : to create a model of (something)
▪ The faces of the gods were modeled in white stone.
b : to make something by forming or shaping clay or some other material
▪ modeling [=molding] figures in/from clay = modeling clay into figures 3 : to wear clothing, jewelry, etc., in photographs, fashion shows, etc., so that people will see and want to buy what you are wearing [+ obj] ▪ They're modeling this year's new spring fashions. ▪ She got a job modeling shoes for a catalog company. ▪ a fashion model who has angered animal lovers by modeling fur coats [no obj] ▪ She models [=she works as a fashion model] for the world's most successful modeling agency. 4 [no obj] : to be a model for an artist : to be painted or photographed by an artist
▪ She agreed to model for him and appeared in many of his most famous works.