prototypical

adjective

pro·​to·​typ·​i·​cal ˌprō-tə-ˈti-pi-kəl How to pronounce prototypical (audio)
variants or less commonly prototypic
ˌprō-tə-ˈti-pik How to pronounce prototypical (audio)
: of, relating to, or being a prototype
prototypically
ˌprō-tə-ˈti-pi-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce prototypical (audio)
adverb

Examples of prototypical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
He is coveted in part because of his prototypical size on the wing. — Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 10 May 2026 This size would be enough to power an office building, which is about right for a prototypical moon base, experts say. — Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 19 May 2026 At 6-3 and 260 pounds, Bryant is a prototypical physical specimen for the edge. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 28 May 2026 And as the prototypical dark academia novel, this twist on the classic campus story is perfect for anyone who wears designer glasses and has bought an Edwardian-style blouse to wear under their tweed vest. — Madeline Hirsch, InStyle, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for prototypical

Word History

First Known Use

1650, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prototypical was in 1650

Rhymes for prototypical

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Browse Nearby Words

prototype
prototypical
prototyping
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Cite this Entry

“Prototypical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prototypical. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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