stereotype

1 of 2

verb

ste·​reo·​type ˈster-ē-ə-ˌtīp 

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

Did you know?

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.

Synonyms

Verb

• hackney
• overexpose
• overuse
• vulgarize

Noun

• concept
• conception
• generality
• generalization
• notion

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

People can stereotype and say, ‘Oh, look, that South Asian comedian lied. —Brahmjot Kaur, NBC News, 20 Sep. 2023

They are often stereotyped as promiscuous and responsible for their disappearance. —Natalie Wilson, Essence, 2 Sep. 2023

Taylor-Thompson said the harm done in stereotyping Black children often remains unacknowledged. —Claretta Bellamy, NBC News, 20 Apr. 2023

Any detractors would have had a difficult time stereotyping him. —Bryan Marquard, BostonGlobe.com, 27 Aug. 2023

Many stereotype the fans as pot-smoking, tie-dye touting former fraternity bros fawning over craft beers in parking lots between cornhole games. —Perri Ormont Blumberg, New York Times, 29 July 2023

Elizabeth Bowen, an associate professor at the University of Buffalo's School of Social Work, said unhoused people are often stereotyped as being unstable and dangerous, or having substance abuse issues. —Char Adams, NBC News, 5 May 2023

Other findings were that math is presented as being irrelevant to the real world and of little interest to most people, while mathematicians are stereotyped to be singular geniuses or socially inept nerds, and white and male. —Manil Suri, The Conversation, 31 Mar. 2023

While Old Hollywood stereotyped Latinos or just ignored them (still does, alas), animation was a space where Latinos — particularly Mexican Americans — were able to flourish. —Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2023

Noun

The publication of these photographs does nothing more than feed racial stereotypes. —Timothy Bella, Washington Post, 27 Sep. 2023

His words, experts argue, reinforced negative stereotypes about Black artists, especially because of Wenner’s influence. —Char Adams, NBC News, 21 Sep. 2023

When asked to create images related to job titles and crime, generative AI amplified stereotypes about race and gender. —Chris Hyams, Fortune, 21 Sep. 2023

Butterfly sidestepped the stereotype and brought Pinkerton along with her. —Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 17 Sep. 2023

Burden sought to cast only Indigenous actors and make a film without stereotypes. —Will Dudding, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2023

The writer’s portrayal of a Black female character is full of negative stereotypes, including crack cocaine use and an absent baby daddy. —Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 13 Sep. 2023

But also, Sámi communities are concerned about non-Indigenous travel operators who promote stereotypes and misrepresent their culture. —Karen Gardiner, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Sep. 2023

After last season's Mexican Week sparked major backlash for its cultural insensitivity and the reinforcing of harmful stereotypes, producer Kieran Smith announced that the show will cease from having dedicated weeks that celebrate specific regions of the world. —Adrianna Freedman, Good Housekeeping, 7 Sep. 2023

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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

Kids Definition

stereotype

1 of 2 noun

ste·​reo·​type ˈster-ē-ə-ˌtīp 

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  ˈstir- 

: 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