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prototypical

adjective

pro·​to·​typ·​i·​cal ˌprō-tə-ˈti-pi-kəl How to pronounce prototypical (audio)
variants or less commonly prototypic
: of, relating to, or being a prototype
prototypically adverb

Examples of prototypical in a Sentence

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.
Nile, like Durst, is the prototypical bad seed, whose violent eccentricities present a threat to his family’s real-estate dynasty. Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 6 Dec. 2025 Mendoza has the prototypical size (6-5, 225) scouts favor, good arm talent and functional athleticism. Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Dec. 2025 And purely from the outside looking in, Tomlin seems to check a lot of boxes for the prototypical coach in need of a fresh challenge. Ian O'Connor, New York Times, 11 Nov. 2025 Sometimes his quest for the truth takes the shape of a prototypical thriller—rendezvous at dive bars, threats issued by shadowy goons in parking lots. Judy Berman, Time, 9 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prototypical

Word History

First Known Use

1650, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prototypical was in 1650

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prototypical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prototypical. Accessed 9 Dec. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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