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
Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 5 Dec. 2025
In 1994, the singer donated the prototype to an auction benefiting French AIDS charity Association Solidarité Sida.
—Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 4 Dec. 2025
According to the company, the prototype went from conception to wheels-on-the-ground in 15 months and is projected to make its first flight in nine months.
—New Atlas, 4 Dec. 2025
Google is partnering with a space company to launch two prototype satellites by early 2027 to validate the hardware.
—Mojtaba Akhavan-Tafti, The Conversation, 3 Dec. 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 8 Dec. 2025.
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prototype
noun
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