stereotype
noun
verb (used with object), ster·e·o·typed, ster·e·o·typ·ing.
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Examples from the Web for stereotypical
British Dictionary definitions for stereotypical
stereotype
noun
- 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
- the plate so made
verb (tr)
- to make a stereotype of
- to print from a stereotype
Word Origin and History for stereotypical
stereotype
1798, "method of printing from a plate," from French stéréotype (adj.) "printing by means of a solid plate of type," from Greek stereos "solid" (see sterile) + French type "type." Noun meaning "a stereotype plate" is from 1817. Meaning "image perpetuated without change" is first recorded 1850, from the verb in this sense, which is from 1819. Meaning "preconceived and oversimplified notion of characteristics typical of a person or group" is recorded from 1922. Stereotypical is attested from 1949.
Culture definitions for stereotypical (1 of 2)
stereotype
A too-simple and therefore distorted image of a group, such as “Football players are stupid” or “The English are cold and unfriendly people.”
Culture definitions for stereotypical (2 of 2)
stereotype
A generalization, usually exaggerated or oversimplified and often offensive, that is used to describe or distinguish a group.