prototype

noun

pro·​to·​type ˈprō-tə-ˌtīp How to pronounce prototype (audio)
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.

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There’s even a design echo between the nomadic Mongolian ger — the traditional felt tent sometimes referred to as yurts — and the Martian dome prototypes being developed by the MARS-V engineering team. Rosanna Philpott, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025 By comparison, the latest prototypes from Helix, Donut Labs, H3X, and Equipmake offer power densities between 13 and 25kW/kg, still less than half of YASA’s new record. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025 Carter built the first prototype of the toy during World War II, inspired by the devices his mother, famous psychic medium Laura Pruden, would use in her work. Otto Rabe, Cincinnati Enquirer, 24 Oct. 2025 Things that will be of interest to those involved in the Lin-gang Special Area prototype include potential maintenance costs, corrosion and impact on the marine environment. New Atlas, 21 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prototype

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of prototype was in 1552

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Prototype.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prototype. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

prototype

noun
pro·​to·​type ˈprōt-ə-ˌtīp How to pronounce prototype (audio)
: an original model on which something is patterned

More from Merriam-Webster on prototype

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!