prototype
noun
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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.
Examples of prototype in a Sentence
Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 10 Jan. 2026
As Milligan points out in a prototype demo, the tracks feature drainage holes on the outside to keep the water moving outward instead of pooling and potentially leaking inside.
—New Atlas, 9 Jan. 2026
What exactly a production-ready prototype will be able to do at the Expo 2030 — a mere four years from now — remains unclear as well.
—Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 8 Jan. 2026
Once the team settled on a final prototype, Salomon, with support from Swiss Side, conducted running economy tests with elite athletes in a large-scale wind tunnel.
—Cory Smith, Outside, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for prototype
Cite this Entry
“Prototype.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prototype. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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prototype
noun
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