prototype

noun pro·to·type \ ˈprō-tə-ˌtīp \

Updated on: 17 May 2018

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)

See prototype defined for English-language learners

See prototype defined for kids

prototype was our Word of the Day on 11/07/2014. Hear the podcast!

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

The researchers have only tested a small prototype in the lab, and there’s no guarantee that the design will perform as well out in the field.

— avery thompson, Popular Mechanics, "New Water-Based Battery Could Help Store Solar and Wind Energy," 7 May 2018
Joined by an Ikea representative, Abloh reiterated that even product seen was just a prototype that would continue to be workshopped over the next couple of weeks before being released in full this summer.

— steff yotka, Vogue, "Get a Sneak Peek of Virgil Abloh’s Ikea Collaboration," 1 May 2018
Last spring, Carroll spent two weekends throwing together a prototype that linked the Magic 8-Ball to a single online form that companies could fill out on their own.

— joshua brustein, Bloomberg.com, "Impress the Algorithm. Get $250,000," 1 May 2018
But at a minimum, there is a prototype on how Democrats can be successful in statewide elections.

— john sharp, AL.com, "'Definitely an uphill battle': Can a Democrat win the Alabama governor's race?," 24 Apr. 2018
Five days after Sessions made his provocative speech in Sacramento, Brown released a letter to Trump, who was about to make his first Presidential trip to California, to view border-wall prototypes on the edge of San Diego.

— rachel aviv, The New Yorker, "Inside California’s War on Trump," 19 Mar. 2018
President Donald Trump views border wall prototypes near the US-Mexico border Tuesday in San Diego, California, his first visit to the state since taking office.

— jennifer hansler and deema alfadl, CNN, "The week in politics," 17 Mar. 2018
There is no prototype because some scorers are quick and fast, and some are big and physical dodgers.

— mike preston, baltimoresun.com, "Mike Preston: Short-stick midfielder play on defense a major key to success," 15 Mar. 2018
Donald Trump loves the ceremonial parts of his job, and his trip to California to inspect prototypes for a border wall was pure theater.

— steve chapman, chicagotribune.com, "Trump's wall is performance art, not border security," 14 Mar. 2018

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1552

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

prototype Synonyms

PROTOTYPE Defined for English Language Learners

prototype

noun

Definition of prototype for English Language Learners

: an original or first model of something from which other forms are copied or developed
: someone or something that has the typical qualities of a particular group, kind, etc.
: a first or early example that is used as a model for what comes later