prototype

noun

pro·​to·​type ˈprō-tə-ˌtīp 

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.

Synonyms

• case
• example
• exemplar
• exemplification
• illustration
• instance
• representative
• sample
• specimen

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

The other million dollar cars included 1964 Iso Grifo A3/L Spider prototype (which sold for $1.88 million), 1968 Lamborghini Miura P400 ($1.33 million), 1957 300 SL Roadster ($1.19 million) and a ⁠1962 Porsche 356 B 1600 ‘Twin-Grille’ Roadster. —Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 4 Nov. 2024

The custom-residential markets of Washington, D.C., Delaware, and Virginia each share in the distinction of being mostly concerned with country- and suburban-specific renovation and restoration, specifically of Colonial and Colonial Revival prototypes and their progeny. —Richard Olsen, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024

The big picture: Using the Glendale village as a prototype, Family Promise hopes to expand to other locations in the Valley, and Taylor said the nonprofit is already working on plans for a second complex in Tempe. —Jeremy Duda, Axios, 30 Oct. 2024

After the band members were done using it, the original prototype was retired, taken apart and put in storage. —Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Oct. 2024

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

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Kids Definition

prototype

noun

pro·​to·​type ˈprōt-ə-ˌtīp 

: an original model on which something is patterned