prototype

noun

pro·to·type | \ ˈprō-tə-ˌtīp

Definition of prototype

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)

Synonyms Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about prototype

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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

In November 2018, Truebird launched its prototype in the New Lab coworking facility at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, which caters to startups that make physical products. — Kate Dwyer, Fortune, "Robot Baristas Serve Cappuccinos With Convenience," 30 Aug. 2019 The leader of that work, USTC professor Zhu Xiaobo, presented his team’s results at the Shanghai conference, flashing a picture of their prototype on the screen — a shiny tangle of coaxial cables resembling an intricate golden chandelier. — Jeanne Whalen, Washington Post, "The quantum revolution is coming, and Chinese scientists are at the forefront," 18 Aug. 2019 Perry and his colleagues detailed their prototype in a paper published this week in Science. — Jeremy Hsu, Scientific American, "An Innovative Robotic Exosuit Boosts Both Walking and Running," 16 Aug. 2019 Its CarterCopter prototype reduced the speed of the main rotor in forward flight, limiting drag and enabling faster flying. — Eric Adams, WIRED, "Old Gyrocopters Could Be the Funky Flying Cars of the Future," 12 Aug. 2019 His prototype was edgier, sexier and more acrobatic. — Nick Talbot, ExpressNews.com, "Retired WWE superstar and San Antonio native Shawn Michaels enjoying new roles in film, NXT," 1 Aug. 2019 In a show of strength, its prototype pulled a freight train for 1,000 feet, a direct challenge to Mr Musk’s boast about the better performance of his new vehicle. — The Economist, "Business this week," 25 July 2019 At the pitch fair, McGinnis stands next to his prototype and repeats his story for a steady stream of potential investors. — Robert F. Service, Science | AAAS, "This former playwright aims to turn solar and wind power into gasoline," 3 July 2019 Create your own prototypes to navigate through OpenROV's underwater tank. — National Geographic, "High School Technology and Innovation Workshop in the Silicon Valley," 12 June 2019

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

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More Definitions for prototype

prototype

noun

English Language Learners Definition of prototype

: an original or first model of something from which other forms are copied or developed

: someone or something that has the typical qualities of a particular group, kind, etc.

: a first or early example that is used as a model for what comes later

See the full definition for prototype in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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prototype

Definition of prototype

Synonyms for prototype

Did You Know?

Examples of prototype in a Sentence

First Known Use of prototype

History and Etymology for prototype

English Language Learners Definition of prototype

prototype

Definition of prototype

Synonyms for prototype

Did You Know?

Examples of prototype in a Sentence

First Known Use of prototype

History and Etymology for prototype

English Language Learners Definition of prototype

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