stereotypical

American

[ster-ee-uh-tip-i-kuhl, steer-] / ˌstɛr i əˈtɪp ɪ kəl, ˌstɪər- /

Also stereotypic

adjective

portraying a simplified and standardized conception or image, often one that is construed as derogatory.

She is frustrated by the shallow and stereotypical roles that she is offered as an Asian actor.
The stereotypical environmentalist is a white dude wearing sandals and tie-dye.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Etymology

Origin of stereotypical

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

Explanation

Stereotypical describes an action or a characterization that is oversimplified, widely imitated, or handed down by tradition. As in Aesop’s Fables, stereotypical characters behave predictably, or according to type, which, in Greek, literally means to strike in a mold or an impression. But most interesting people and stories do not easily fit into molds, and typecasts can be socially offensive. It might be stereotypical in a comedy skit to see police officers eating donuts, but when you get pulled over for missing a stop sign it’s best to keep that idea to yourself!

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing stereotypical

All American Boys

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This Week in Pop Culture: August 10–16, 2019

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Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Boy

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The gender split also defies the stereotypical image of the young male gamer.

From Barron's • Jun. 7, 2026

The stereotypical British émigré used to be the retiree packing up for sunnier climes in Spain or France.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

Usually engaged in anodyne activities, they present idealized versions of childhood: full of stereotypical sweetness, innocence and light.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 16, 2026

He says the film gave the brothers an opportunity to challenge stereotypical representations of Nigeria.

From BBC • Feb. 6, 2026

What he means is that most people, in order to feel okay about who they are and where they stand in relation to others, automatically group everyone into stereotypical little bunches.

From "Where Things Come Back" by John Corey Whaley

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023