prototype

noun

pro·​to·​type ˈprō-tə-ˌtīp How to pronounce prototype (audio)
1
: an original model on which something is patterned : archetype
2
: an individual that exhibits the essential features of a later type
3
: a standard or typical example
4
: a first full-scale and usually functional form of a new type or design of a construction (such as an airplane)

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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

They tested the prototype of the car. He is developing a prototype for his invention. He is the prototype of a conservative businessman. The Sherlock Holmes stories are the prototypes of modern detective stories.
Recent Examples on the Web Riddle is set to unveil the prototype home during the annual KC Design Week in April, followed by a panel discussion on the housing crisis for Black residents. J.m. Banks, Kansas City Star, 24 Mar. 2024 Aviation startup Boom Supersonic took a major step today toward its goal of returning commercial supersonic aviation to the skies, after the company’s prototype aircraft, the XB-1, left the ground for the first time this week. Tim Stevens, The Verge, 22 Mar. 2024 But for a while, the company pursued new projects, including live video broadcasting and a betting prototype, that former employees have said turned out to be costly distractions. Paresh Dave, WIRED, 21 Mar. 2024 Engineers created a prototype by mapping out the tax code into a series of steps: The software has to know that a millionaire homeowner doesn’t need to see any of the questions that apply only to low-income renters, for example. Saahil Desai, The Atlantic, 20 Mar. 2024 The Alphabet subsidiary unveiled today a prototype AI assistant for soccer coaches. Bruce Gil, Quartz, 19 Mar. 2024 Ruud has already test driven a Fleming prototype on the court and is currently working with the Fleming team on one of its forthcoming models: a more lightweight and performance-based watch called the Series 1 Ghost. Cait Bazemore, Robb Report, 11 Mar. 2024 Block first introduced a prototype of the wallet in 2022 before opening preorders last December. Emma Roth, The Verge, 13 Mar. 2024 In 2021, one of the first all-electric pickups to hit Michigan roads, a Lordstown Motors prototype, became engulfed in an inferno, as the Free Press reported. Jamie L. Lareau, Detroit Free Press, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'prototype.' 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

French, from Greek prōtotypon, from neuter of prōtotypos archetypal, from prōt- + typos type

First Known Use

1552, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prototype was in 1552

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Dictionary Entries Near prototype

Cite this Entry

“Prototype.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prototype. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

prototype

noun
pro·​to·​type ˈprōt-ə-ˌtīp How to pronounce prototype (audio)
: an original model on which something is patterned

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