prototype

noun pro·to·type \ ˈprō-tə-ˌtīp \

|Updated on: 9 Aug 2018

Examples: prototype in a Sentence

Editor's Note: Did You Know?

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

Heading overseas The two got together and plunged into a world of manufacturing, prototypes, specs, shipping schedules, tariffs, forklifts and trucking.

— jane ford-stewart, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Here’s how two 'ordinary' Milwaukee-area men created a unique, dual-wheeled bicycle. The next challenge? Trying to sell them.," 11 July 2018
Apple's investigation found that Zhang on April 28 and 29 had downloaded confidential technical documents about self driving car prototypes, which were subsequently downloaded onto his wife's laptop, authorities say.

— mike snider, USA TODAY, "Nabbed at airport, ex-Apple engineer was fleeing with secrets to self-driving cars, FBI says," 11 July 2018
Still considered a prototype, the Surf Ranch wave is generated by a massive hydrofoil pulled along a track, displacing the water over an artificial reef.

— hemal jhaveri, For The Win, "How Kelly Slater took surfing out of the ocean and onto dry land," 3 July 2018
The company's first prototype, a heavy, bulky item, was built in 2009.

— cyrus farivar, Ars Technica, "Would you pay $700, plus a monthly fee, for a digital license plate?," 2 July 2018
These programs have nearly eliminated the theft of prototypes and products from factories, caught leakers and prevented many others from leaking in the first place.

— bloomberg news, OregonLive.com, "Apple warns employees to stop leaking information, leaked memo says," 15 Apr. 2018
These programs have nearly eliminated the theft of prototypes and products from factories, caught leakers and prevented many others from leaking in the first place.

— Fortune, "Apple Warns Employees to Stop Leaking Information to Media," 14 Apr. 2018
Guides from Seattle’s Alpine Ascents International took prototypes and competitor’s packs out on Mt. Rainier for 3 days of intensive testing.

— popular mechanics editors, Popular Mechanics, "PM Approved: The Backpack Built to Carry the Kitchen Sink," 29 June 2018
Several prototypes and fittings later, Hailey got her first hand almost four years ago.

— rebecca bratek, CBS News, "8-year-old with 3D-printed hand throws out her 12th first pitch at MLB stadium," 12 June 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