prototype

noun pro·to·type \ ˈprō-tə-ˌtīp \

|Updated on: 12 Jul 2018

Examples: prototype in a Sentence

Editor's Note: Did You Know?

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)

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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 of prototype from the Web

The current prototype is thought to have set BAE back by around £185m ($244m).

— The Economist, "Tomorrow’s squadron leaders will be accompanied by drones," 5 July 2018
Currently, the prototype has four sections, but the researchers plan to build a version with twelve sections soon.

— avery thompson, Popular Mechanics, "'Dragon' Drone Can Twist and Change Shape in Midair," 29 June 2018
The future: An Assistant interface, feedback, and more use cases At the THEP event, Google took time to look back and talked a bit about the first Duplex prototype.

— ron amadeo, Ars Technica, "Talking to Google Duplex: Google’s human-like phone AI feels revolutionary," 27 June 2018
The unit cost of the latest prototype is about $100.

— Washington Post, "Non-invasive malaria test wins Africa engineering prize," 24 June 2018
The Taycan prototype has been spotted on the Nurburgring racetrack, a sleek ground-hugging sports car that resembles the stately Panamera.

— william boston, WSJ, "Start Your Engines: The Second Wave of Luxury Electric Cars," 22 June 2018
Allied militaries were given a chance to get up close to the new vehicle for the first time last week where the prototypes were unveiled at Eurosatory.

— allison barrie, Fox News, "Formidable 'Jaguar' recon vehicle revealed, touts powerful cannon and anti-tank missiles," 18 June 2018
Yet the grandeur of Germania is capsizing under unstable soil, foundations slowly buckling, cracks appearing in walls; just as the sinking prototype Schwerbelastungskörper suggested.

— darran anderson, The Atlantic, "The Cities That Never Existed," 17 June 2018
This year’s draft class features a multitude of intriguing wings, but only one truly possesses the all-around upside and frame to fit the ideal prototype: Kevin Knox.

— the crossover staff, SI.com, "NBA Draft Debate: Which Wing Would You Draft First?," 11 June 2018

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.

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.

Origin and Etymology of prototype

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1552

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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prototype Synonyms

PROTOTYPE Defined for English Language Learners

prototype

noun

Definition of prototype for English Language Learners

: 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