prototypical

American  

[proh-tuh-tip-i-kuhl] / ˌproʊ təˈtɪp ɪ kəl /

Sometimes prototypal also prototypic

adjective

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

   Even Los Angeles, the prototypical American automobile city, is rapidly expanding its public transit infrastructure.

2. illustrating the typical qualities of a class or group.

   Scotty played center field as a quick, prototypical lead-off hitter.

   The International Harvester Farmall letter series, well-built and affordable, became an iconic symbol of the prototypical American small-farm tractor.

3. Biology. being a primitive form regarded as the basis of a group; archetypal.

   She graduated with a degree in biology, having conducted her senior thesis research on virulence factors of vaccinia, the prototypical poxvirus.

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Other Word Forms

• prototypically adverb

Etymology

Origin of prototypical

prototyp(e) ( def. ) + -ical ( def. )

Example Sentences

“Ms. Javice’s case is not the prototypical type of fraud case,” her defense attorney argued.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 12, 2025

In Claxton, the Lakers would have the prototypical rim-protecting, lob-catching center that’s tailor-made for Doncic.

From Los Angeles Times • May 16, 2025

In 1987, David Letterman was taping his late-night show in Las Vegas before rowdy audiences of mostly young men in preppy pullovers and muscle shirts — prototypical bros raised on “Porky’s.”

From New York Times • Jun. 19, 2024

“The prototypical heckler’s veto case is one in which the government silences particular speech or a particular speaker due to an anticipated disorderly or violent reaction of the audience,” Bybee wrote, citing case law.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 19, 2024

The symbolism of the scene was poignant, dramatizing as it did the passing of the prototypical American and the cause of gradual emancipation.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis

Related Words

• archetypal
• quintessential