stereotype

1 of 2

verb

ste·​reo·​type ˈster-ē-ə-ˌtīp How to pronounce stereotype (audio)
ˈstir-
stereotyped; stereotyping; stereotypes

transitive verb

1
: to make a stereotype from
2
a
: to repeat without variation : make hackneyed
b
: to develop a mental stereotype about
stereotyper noun

stereotype

2 of 2

noun

1
: a plate cast from a printing surface
2
: something conforming to a fixed or general pattern
especially : a standardized mental picture that is held in common by members of a group and that represents an oversimplified opinion, prejudiced attitude, or uncritical judgment

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What is the Difference Between cliché and stereotype?

The words cliché and stereotype have a good deal in common. Both come from French, both were originally printers’ terms, and both have come to take on somewhat negative meanings in modern use.

Their original meanings are essentially synonymous, referring to printing blocks from which numerous prints could be made. In fact, cliché means stereotype in French. Their modern meanings, however, are quite distinct. Cliché is today overwhelmingly encountered in reference to something hackneyed, such as an overly familiar or commonplace phrase, theme, or expression. Stereotype is most frequently now employed to refer to an often unfair and untrue belief that many people have about all people or things with a particular characteristic.

Examples of stereotype in a Sentence

Verb It's not fair to stereotype a whole group of people based on one person you don't like. Movies have stereotyped the domineering mother-in-law ad nauseam. Noun the stereotype of the absentminded professor the noble savage was a stereotype that appealed to 18th-century intellectuals, who viewed European civilization as decadent and corrupt
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
While students like Rayne are considering leaning more into race, other Black and Latino applicants may, like the Asian student, hide their race over concerns that admissions officers may pigeonhole or stereotype them. Jessica Cheung, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2023 Cannabis users are often stereotyped as lazy couch potatoes satisfying their munchies with junk food. Christine Ricciardi, Hartford Courant, 12 Jan. 2024 Samoan guys were stereotyped as all physicality, all body—gangsters, dancers, or football players, like Marques Tuiasosopo, a University of Washington quarterback at the time of Letourneau’s trial. E. Tammy Kim, The New Yorker, 8 Dec. 2023 But their clientele were often stereotyped as lazy gamblers, unlike white Americans, whose drinking was portrayed more favorably. Christina Morales, New York Times, 28 Nov. 2023 Jeffrey Wright plays an author who finds success in stereotyping himself in his latest role. Tommy McArdle, Peoplemag, 16 Oct. 2023 Her dedication to stereotyping her wife’s entire side of the family as cig-ripping Frenchies is truly outstanding. Vulture, 6 Oct. 2023 Open relationships aren’t a new concept but they’re still often stereotyped and taboo to some. Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 29 Nov. 2023 For example, 46% of Republicans and 44% of Democrats say that news coverage largely stereotyped Black people, Pew said. David Bauder, Fortune, 27 Sep. 2023
Noun
Guests featured in the first season of Archetypes include Serena Williams, Mariah Carey, and Paris Hilton, who all explored common stereotypes that hold women back. Angel Saunders, Peoplemag, 6 Mar. 2024 Hugo Miller overcomes stereotypes to fulfill his dancing dream — and inspire others. Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2024 The old model of fatherhood—the hands-off, financial-provider stereotype that involved little participation in bath time or homework—bears less and less resemblance to reality. Saul Austerlitz, The Atlantic, 5 Mar. 2024 Conservative pundits have been doubling down on a racist stereotype, claiming that the sneakers will help sway Black voters in Trump’s direction. Melissa Cruz, USA TODAY, 28 Feb. 2024 Many of those stereotypes eventually evolved into something more self-aware, ironic and amused. Mark Harris Keita Morimoto, New York Times, 27 Feb. 2024 In partnering on the project, the pair sought to challenge the traditional stereotype about the styles of art and fashion that come from their native Nigeria. Scarlett Conlon, CNN, 26 Feb. 2024 Big Bang Theory was also No. 1 in the U.S. that year, and many believed the sitcom protagonist Sheldon (Jim Parsons) exhibited autism stereotypes. Kalia Richardson, Rolling Stone, 24 Feb. 2024 By showcasing successful women in these roles, companies can inspire others and break down gender stereotypes. Sarah Dant, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'stereotype.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French stéréotype, from stéré- stere- + type

First Known Use

Verb

1804, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1817, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of stereotype was in 1804

Dictionary Entries Near stereotype

Cite this Entry

“Stereotype.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stereotype. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

stereotype

1 of 2 noun
ste·​reo·​type ˈster-ē-ə-ˌtīp How to pronounce stereotype (audio)
ˈstir-
1
: a printing plate made by casting melted metal in a mold
2
: something agreeing with a pattern
especially : an idea that many people have about a thing or a group and that may often be untrue or only partly true

stereotype

2 of 2 verb
1
: to make a stereotype from
2
: to develop a mental stereotype about
unfairly stereotyped salesmen as dishonest

Medical Definition

stereotype

noun
ste·​reo·​type ˈster-ē-ə-ˌtīp How to pronounce stereotype (audio) ˈstir- How to pronounce stereotype (audio)
: something conforming to a fixed or general pattern
especially : an often oversimplified or biased mental picture held to characterize the typical individual of a group
stereotype transitive verb
stereotyped; stereotyping

More from Merriam-Webster on stereotype

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