prototype
noun
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The prefix prot-, or proto-, comes from Greek and has the basic meaning "first in time" or "first formed." A prototype is someone or something that serves as a model or inspiration for those that come later. A successful fund-raising campaign can serve as a prototype for future campaigns. The legendary Robin Hood, the "prototypical" kindhearted and honorable outlaw, has been the inspiration for countless other romantic heroes. And for over a century, Vincent van Gogh has been the prototype of the brilliant, tortured artist who is unappreciated in his own time.
Examples of prototype in a Sentence
Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 21 Nov. 2025
The tool can help users create prototypes, infographics and turn handwritten notes into diagrams, Google wrote in a blog announcing the update.
—Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 21 Nov. 2025
While at the company, Saunders worked on an amphibious six-legged prototype before becoming CTO in 2021.
—Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 20 Nov. 2025
Each prototype is shaped through robotic 3D printing and tuned to local conditions.
—New Atlas, 20 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prototype
Cite this Entry
“Prototype.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prototype. Accessed 24 Nov. 2025.
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prototype
noun
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