prototype

noun

pro·​to·​type ˈprō-tə-ˌtīp 

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)

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.

Synonyms

• case
• example
• exemplar
• exemplification
• illustration
• instance
• representative
• sample
• specimen

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 on the Web

The agencies that allocated the funds for the prototype have not yet put up the money to create its successor. —IEEE Spectrum, 16 Apr. 2024

Airbus spent four years developing an eVTOL prototype. —Gideon Lewis-Kraus, The New Yorker, 15 Apr. 2024

These paper prototypes are used to test the game before the specific mechanics are set. —Saira Mueller, CNN, 11 Apr. 2024

Early prototypes of the cage made from phade’s standard drinking straws were able to protect the coral for about two months before dissolving in the ocean, but that wasn’t quite long enough to outlast the interest of parrot fish. —David Fischer, Fortune, 11 Apr. 2024

Other highlights include a one-of-three LaFerrari prototype and a one-of-three LaFerrari prototype. —Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 2 Apr. 2024

Before production, 21 prototype P1s were made Of the 21 P1 prototypes that were made during development, 13 were called experimental prototypes, or XPs, five were validation prototypes, or VPs, and three were pre-production units, or PPs. —Sean Evans, Robb Report, 6 Apr. 2024

After reviewing the three proposals, NASA will issue a second task order to at least one of the finalists, requesting to see their prototype in action on the moon. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 4 Apr. 2024

Wind turbines are becoming a bigger part of the race towards a greener future—but at the same time, the technology is quickly evolving, which raises questions about how emerging turbine prototypes can be tested quickly and efficiently before they’re hooked up to power grids. —IEEE Spectrum, 3 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French, from Greek prōtotypon, from neuter of prōtotypos archetypal, from prōt- + typos type

First Known Use

1552, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!

Kids Definition

prototype

noun

pro·​to·​type ˈprōt-ə-ˌtīp 

: an original model on which something is patterned