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)

Did you know?

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 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 In December, Lei told state broadcaster CCTV that Xiaomi devoted 3,400 engineers and 10 billion Chinese renminbi ($1.4 billion) towards the company’s first prototype vehicle. Lionel Lim, Fortune Asia, 29 Feb. 2024 Sony has formed a joint venture with Honda to build an electric prototype called Afeela, due to ship in 2026. Aarian Marshall, WIRED, 28 Feb. 2024 The challenge will conclude later this year, and prototypes will likely be ready for commercialization in 2025. IEEE Spectrum, 26 Feb. 2024 What were your key learnings from building the prototype? Aparna Dhinakaran, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024 To answer that question, a prototype must be built to validate the model. Justin Davis, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 The company established a prototype group in 2010 to focus on developing next-generation VTOLs. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 29 Feb. 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 19 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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