E.g. is an abbreviation for the Latin phrase exempli gratia, which means “for or by way of example.” It is used to introduce an example or illustration of a point.
E.g. is also a citation symbol used in legal writing, signifying that the source following the signal is one of many authorities for the supported point.
The abbreviation e.g. should not be confused with the abbreviation i.e., which means “that is” and is used to clarify or expand upon a term rather than to introduce an illustration or example.
[Last updated in June of 2021 by the Wex Definitions Team]