prototypical

adjective

pro·​to·​typ·​i·​cal ˌprō-tə-ˈti-pi-kəl 

variants or less commonly prototypic

ˌprō-tə-ˈti-pik 

: of, relating to, or being a prototype

prototypically

ˌprō-tə-ˈti-pi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of prototypical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

El-Sayed ran a prototypical primary campaign, positioning himself as a progressive outsider against a moderate insider. — Michael Traugott, The Conversation, 12 Aug. 2026

The prototypical obituary subject lived to be 81, which meant 44 years had elapsed between the accomplishment and, in the cases of the many obscure and quirky characters, their public aggrandizement. — Sam Roberts, Longreads, 11 Aug. 2026

Scouting report Williams has a modern, prototypical build with fluid movement. — Brendan Marks, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026

The prototypical service candidate is straitlaced and clean-shaven, someone who speaks about their service in bloodless shorthand, heavy on duty, light on pain. — Jasper Craven, New Yorker, 24 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1650, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for prototypical

• atypical
• untypical
• stereotypical
• typical