prototype

American  

[proh-tuh-tahyp] / ˈproʊ təˌtaɪp /

noun

1. the original or model on which something is based or formed.

   Synonyms:

   pattern

2. someone or something that serves to illustrate the typical qualities of a class; model; exemplar.

   She is the prototype of a student activist.

3. something analogous to another thing of a later period.

   a Renaissance prototype of our modern public housing.

4. Biology. an archetype; a primitive form regarded as the basis of a group.

---

verb (used with object)

prototyped, prototyping

1. to create the prototype or an experimental model of.

   to prototype a solar-power car.

prototype British  

/ ˌprəʊtəˈtɪpɪk, ˈprəʊtəˌtaɪp /

noun

1. one of the first units manufactured of a product, which is tested so that the design can be changed if necessary before the product is manufactured commercially

2. a person or thing that serves as an example of a type

3. biology the ancestral or primitive form of a species or other group; an archetype

---

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• prototypal
  adjective
• prototypical
  adjective
• prototypic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of prototype

First recorded in 1595–1605; from New Latin prōtotypon, from Greek prōtótypon, noun use of neuter of prōtótypos “original”; see proto-, type

Explanation

A prototype is the original model, a sample on which to base future designs. A company designing a new toaster will first design and build a prototype and then test it out and see if it's any good. A prototype is your test case and becomes the model on which to base the design of the finished product. Often, however, the prototype can be a phase to work out the bugs. The prototype of our hands-free toothbrush was too dangerous; it needed to return to the lab for serious improvements. Like the word archetype, the word prototype can also mean the standard on which to base a definition of something. "A prototypical cheerleader is the girl to which all other cheerleaders might aspire."

Example Sentences

The $100 million federal funding for D-Wave is contingent on research and development milestones, including prototype delivery.

From Barron's • Jun. 2, 2026

The economist can now build her own simulation, the doctor can prototype a clinical decision tool, and the logistics manager can write his own optimizer.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 31, 2026

SpaceX is required to provide the Space Force with a fully operational prototype by the end of next year.

From MarketWatch • May 26, 2026

At one stage the area was short-listed for a prototype fusion energy plant but Nottinghamshire was chosen instead.

From BBC • May 3, 2026

Both American and foreign students utilized him as their prototype for human development, spiritual dedication, and equality.

From "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Alex Malcolm X;Hailey

Related Words

• mock-up
• model
• precursor