prototype

noun pro·to·type \ ˈprō-tə-ˌtīp \

Updated on: 6 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

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.

— cleve r. wootson jr., BostonGlobe.com, "Federal agents arrest designer of Kansas water slide that killed boy," 4 Apr. 2018
En+ hopes for a first prototype by the end of the year.

— yuliya fedorinova, Bloomberg.com, "Russian Tycoon Joins Hunt for Cheap Batteries Using Sodium," 3 Apr. 2018
Waymo, the former Google self-driving car division that made its name with its pod-like driverless car prototypes, will make its foray into luxury cars beginning this year.

— faiz siddiqui, Washington Post, "Waymo adding up to 20,000 electric Jaguar SUVs to its self-driving fleet," 27 Mar. 2018
So Red Bull developed its own prototype, the aeroscreen, which struggled in tests conducted by the F.I.A. before the team abandoned the idea.

— ian parkes, New York Times, "At the Australian Grand Prix, a New Era of Protecting Drivers," 22 Mar. 2018
Compared to other air taxis aspirants like Uber or Airbus which are still floating around concept art, Kitty Hawk is pretty far along with its functional full-size prototype.

— eric limer, Popular Mechanics, "Kitty Hawk's 'Air Taxi' Has Propellers Out the Wazoo," 13 Mar. 2018
As expected, President Donald Trump's tour of his eight border wall prototypes in San Diego was the highlight of his first presidential visit to solid-blue California.

— rafael carranza, azcentral, "Trump quickly rolls out video promo touting his visit to the border wall prototypes," 13 Mar. 2018
Trump addressed Marines and other service members at an air base in San Diego after visiting his border wall prototypes.

— Time, "President Trump Says the U.S. Should Someday Have a Military 'Space Force'," 13 Mar. 2018
SpaceX, Elon Musk’s rocket business, launched its first prototypes on February 22nd.

— The Economist, "Ocean internetSailing the wired seas," 10 Mar. 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

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First Known Use: 1552

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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