prototype

noun pro·to·type \ ˈprō-tə-ˌtīp \

Updated on: 20 Apr 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)

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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

The suit is just a prototype, but the creators eventually want anyone to be able to wear it anywhere.

— lizzie plaugic, The Verge, "These three designers make wearables that measure the world around you," 14 Apr. 2018
Most, however, argue that the Half Disme was meant to be a prototype or just pattern coinage, but George Washington's State of the Union Address on November 6 of the same year may indicate otherwise.

— marlena scott, Teen Vogue, "The Complete History of Money in America, From Pelts to Pennies," 13 Apr. 2018
Two months after showing off a few prototypes from her Good American maternity denim line, Kardashian debuted the collection — aptly titled Good Mama — by posing for it herself.

— melody chiu, PEOPLE.com, "Khloé Kardashian and Tristan Thompson Welcome Daughter Days After Cheating Scandal," 12 Apr. 2018
The restaurant at 2530 Kirk Road, just north of Butterfield Road, is a new Wendy’s prototype, only the third of its kind in Illinois.

— steve lord, Aurora Beacon-News, "Minimalist Wendy's proposed in Aurora aims to attract millennials," 9 Apr. 2018
And so, the group developed a prototype floating robot that cleaned up trash from the river.

— avery thompson, Popular Mechanics, "You Could Drive This River-Cleaning Trashbot From Anywhere," 3 Apr. 2018
But investigators say engineers were never directly involved in Verrückt's conception or design and that Henry, Schooley and their team completed a prototype within 36 days.

— author: cleve r. wootson jr., Anchorage Daily News, "They helped design a record-breaking waterslide – and were arrested after it decapitated a boy," 3 Apr. 2018
Photos by by Piers Taylor via Dezeen British architecture practice Invisible Studio, known for its environmentally sensitive work, has created a prototype of a tiny prefab trailer that cost just £20,000, or about $28,000, to build.

— lauren ro, Curbed, "Tiny prefab mobile home was built from salvaged materials," 2 Apr. 2018
Icon printed a prototype home in Austin and has tuned its process in anticipation of conditions and materials available in El Salvador.

— christopher mims, WSJ, "3-D Printed Buildings Are a Tech Twist on Ancient Construction Techniques," 1 Apr. 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