prototype
noun
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The prefix prot-, or proto-, comes from Greek and has the basic meaning "first in time" or "first formed." A prototype is someone or something that serves as a model or inspiration for those that come later. A successful fund-raising campaign can serve as a prototype for future campaigns. The legendary Robin Hood, the "prototypical" kindhearted and honorable outlaw, has been the inspiration for countless other romantic heroes. And for over a century, Vincent van Gogh has been the prototype of the brilliant, tortured artist who is unappreciated in his own time.
Examples of prototype in a Sentence
Cameron Kaiser, ArsTechnica, 12 Sep. 2025
Working nights in his garage, Trombone built the prototype using personal funds.
—Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 12 Sep. 2025
All of these factors are being taken into account as the researchers work to develop a useful robot dog prototype.
—Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 11 Sep. 2025
The prototype was also powered by a laptop-like charger, though the promo video clearly has other ideas about that, and shows the Master X plugging itself into an outdoor charger or rolling over a wireless charging pad for a top-up.
—New Atlas, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prototype
Cite this Entry
“Prototype.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prototype. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.
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prototype
noun
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