stereotypy

noun

ste·​reo·​ty·​py ˈster-ē-ə-ˌtī-pē How to pronounce stereotypy (audio)
ˈstir-
plural stereotypies
1
medical : frequent repetition of the same, typically purposeless movement, gesture, posture, or vocal sounds or utterances (as in autism spectrum disorder)
This disorder is characterized by postnatal reduction in brain growth, with hand stereotypy, seizures, sensorimotor and autonomic deficits, and curtailment of social, language, cognitive, and neurologic development.Isabelle Rapin
Stereotypies are problematic because they compete for time and energy that a child could be using to learn new skills.Alan Harchik
2
veterinary medicine : abnormal repetitive behavior
Spending time away from family and a familiar environment can be very stressful for some pets. It appears that Max has developed a stereotypy (circling) as a result of the anxiety he feels at the kennel.Katherine A. Houpt

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web In the zoo, a stereotypy such as pacing or swimming in circles suggests that an animal is in distress. Elizabeth Preston, Discover Magazine, 21 May 2012

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

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1889, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of stereotypy was circa 1889

Dictionary Entries Near stereotypy

Cite this Entry

“Stereotypy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stereotypy. Accessed 25 Mar. 2023.

Medical Definition

stereotypy

noun
ste·​reo·​ty·​py ˈster-ē-ə-ˌtī-pē How to pronounce stereotypy (audio) ˈstir- How to pronounce stereotypy (audio)
plural stereotypies
: frequent repetition of the same, typically purposeless movement, gesture, posture, or vocal sounds or utterances (as in autism spectrum disorder)
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