Definition of prototype
1 : an original model on which something is patterned : archetype
2 : an individual that exhibits the essential features of a later type
3 : a standard or typical example
4 : a first full-scale and usually functional form of a new type or design of a construction (such as an airplane)
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Examples of prototype in a Sentence
They tested the prototype of the car.
He is developing a prototype for his invention.
He is the prototype of a conservative businessman.
The Sherlock Holmes stories are the prototypes of modern detective stories.
Recent Examples of prototype from the Web
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A start-up backed by Japanese automaker Toyota revealed a rudimentary prototype of a flying car, aiming to whisk a driver through the air to light the Olympic torch in Tokyo in summer 2020.
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Maisel Klutts, director of engineering and planning for Fort Worth defense contractor WilliamsRDM, displays virtual border wall prototype sensors May 30, 2017.
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A meta-study of a dozen NASA missions found that costs tend to explode toward the end, with nearly half of the total dedicated to moving a technology from TRL 7 (space-ready prototype) to launch.
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The Siri speaker reached an advanced prototype stage late last year, Bloomberg News reported at the time.
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The Siri speaker reached an advanced prototype stage late last year, Bloomberg News reported at the time.
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Ultimately, the Saints chose the more conventional No. 1 prototype at receiver this offseason.
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Apple has tested prototypes of future iPhones with the chip, the person said, adding that it’s unclear if the component will be ready this year.
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Soon other islands developed their own festivals and adopted St. Lucia's prototype.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'prototype'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Did You Know?
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.
Origin and Etymology of prototype
French, from Greek prōtotypon, from neuter of prōtotypos archetypal, from prōt- + typos type
First Known Use: 1552
PROTOTYPE Defined for English Language Learners
prototype
playDefinition of prototype for English Language Learners
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: an original or first model of something from which other forms are copied or developed
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: someone or something that has the typical qualities of a particular group, kind, etc.
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: a first or early example that is used as a model for what comes later
Learn More about prototype
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See words that rhyme with prototype Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for prototype Spanish Central: Translation of prototype Nglish: Translation of prototype for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of prototype for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about prototype
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