prototypical

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

variants: or less commonly prototypic play \ˌprō-tə-ˈti-pik\

|Updated on: 13 Jul 2018

Definition of prototypical

: of, relating to, or being a prototype

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prototypically

play \ˌprō-tə-ˈti-pi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

See prototypical defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of prototypical from the Web

Former Louisville commitment Akeem Hayes looks the part of a prototypical slot receiver, but one of the taller freshmen receivers — Marvin Alexander, Allen Dailey and Bryce Oliver — could contribute as well.

— jon hale, The Courier-Journal, "UK Insider: Which freshmen will play or sit this football season?," 10 July 2018
Charbonnet, at 6-feet-2, 215 pounds, might seem like a prototypical big back.

— orion sang, Detroit Free Press, "Michigan football getting 'thunder and lightning' with running backs," 8 July 2018
Aaron Gordon Restricted / Power Forward / 6-9 / Team: Orlando Magic 17.6 points per game, 7.9 rebounds per game A prototypical modern forward with athleticism and some ball-handling chops.

— azcentral, "Ranking top power forwards in NBA free agency: Aaron Gordon, Julius Randle, Derrick Favors lead list," 28 June 2018
As Benjamin, Eli Gelb seems to have walked onto the Laura Pels stage directly from a semiotics course at Brown; and Will Brittain brings dignity to the prototypical dumb jock, even if he is often made to do so while wearing one.

— jesse green, New York Times, "Review: With ‘Skintight,’ Idina Menzel Takes On a Straight Play. Sort Of.," 21 June 2018
Omari Spellman: Spellman slimmed down during his redshirt season at Villanova, and emerged as a prototypical pick and pop 4, a player agile enough in the half court who can space a defense for either drives to the rim or three-point attempts. 44.

— matthew giles, chicagotribune.com, "Ranking the top 50 prospects in the 2018 NBA draft," 19 June 2018
Thomas may not look like a prototypical home-run hitter.

— pat disabato, Daily Southtown, "Mount Carmel's Alek Thomas is the Daily Southtown Baseball Player of the Year," 22 June 2018
At the 28 second mark, Bernard and Dolores are seen together in the streets of Sweetwater, watching as a prototypical Dolores walks in front of them.

— josh wigler, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Westworld' Finale: What's Ahead in Season 2's Brutal Climax," 17 June 2018
At 6-1 and 250 pounds, Simon doesn’t boast the prototypical size the scheme demands from the defensive end position.

— zak keefer, Indianapolis Star, "Colts observations: More throws from Andrew Luck, does John Simon have a home?," 13 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'prototypical.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.