stereotype

[ ster-ee-uh-tahyp, steer- ]

noun

1. a simplified and standardized conception or image invested with special meaning and held in common by members of a group:

   Cowboys and Indians are American stereotypes.

2. a set form; convention:

   Most important for lexicographers are the idiomatic stereotypes whose meaning cannot be inferred from knowledge of the meanings of the individual items.

3. Printing.
   1. a process, now often replaced by more advanced methods, for making metal printing plates by taking a mold of composed type or the like in papier-mâché or other material and then taking from this mold a cast in type metal.
   2. a plate made by this process.

verb (used with object)

, ster·e·o·typed, ster·e·o·typ·ing.

1. to characterize or regard as a stereotype:

   The actor has been stereotyped as a villain.

   Synonyms: typecast, label, categorize

2. to give a fixed form to.
3. Printing. to make a stereotype of.

stereotype

/ ˌstɛrɪə ˈtɪpɪk; ˌstɪər-; ˈstɛrɪəˌtaɪp; ˈstɪər- /

noun

1. 1. a method of producing cast-metal printing plates from a mould made from a forme of type matter in papier-mâché or some other material
   2. the plate so made
2. another word for stereotypy
3. an idea, trait, convention, etc, that has grown stale through fixed usage
4. sociol a set of inaccurate, simplistic generalizations about a group that allows others to categorize them and treat them accordingly

verb

1. 1. to make a stereotype of
   2. to print from a stereotype
2. to impart a fixed usage or convention to

stereotype

¹

1. A too-simple and therefore distorted image of a group, such as “Football players are stupid” or “The English are cold and unfriendly people.”

stereotype

²

1. A generalization, usually exaggerated or oversimplified and often offensive, that is used to describe or distinguish a group.

Derived Forms

• ˈstereoˌtyper, noun
• stereotypic, adjective

Other Words From

• ster·e·o·typ·er ster·e·o·typ·ist noun
• ster·e·o·typ·i·cal ster·e·o·typ·ic [ster-ee-, uh, -, tip, -ik, steer-], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of stereotype¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; stereo- + -type

Example Sentences

Even if the actress herself is truly disabled, studios employ the pretty disabilities stereotype because they believe a predominately able-bodied audience will not empathize with a disabled heroine who is too disabled-looking.

From Salon

The Walt Disney Co. in recent years has been taking a broad view of its theme parks, looking at places to increase diversity or remove outdated stereotypes.

From Los Angeles Times

She explained "myths and taboos" often caused barriers to diagnosis, including women being stereotyped as "black and strong", meaning their pain is dismissed.

From BBC

A skepticism toward conventional wisdom that is rooted in a distrust of cliches and stereotypes.

From Los Angeles Times

"The stereotype people say is that we take jobs," he says.

From BBC

Related Words

• pattern