stereotypical
Americanadjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of stereotypical
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!
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 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
"The JP Morgan case has drawn enormous interest because of the reversal of stereotypical gender roles, meaning many more people are seeking out information beyond what is coming from official channels," Scheirer said.
From Barron's ● May 18, 2026
He has retained the stereotypical Midwestern qualities of humility and consistency, fitting in well with veteran Phillies stars Bryce Harper, Trea Turner and Kyle Schwarber.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 27, 2026
These had to feel like real people with stereotypical flair, teenagers who were boxed into a category simply because that’s what high school social politics demand.
From Salon ● Feb. 28, 2026
In his well-trimmed beard and dark master’s robe, he still reminded me of the stereotypical evil magician that appears in so many bad Aturan plays.
From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
