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

nonstereotypic adjective
nonstereotypical adjective

Etymology

Origin of stereotypical

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

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.

Fruit is an absurd but also simple way to reflect the formulaic, sensationalist and stereotypical world of dating reality TV, Lupinacci said.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Doherty said while Oliver was "up for anything" on set, he struggled to adopt the stereotypical fiery TV chef persona she had in mind and she had been told in advance he would not swear.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

‘Valentine’s Day is no longer all about roses and rosé … the stereotypical cliché gifts of the past are shifting to those that actually make everyday sense.’

From MarketWatch • Feb. 13, 2026

“The Mary Tyler Moore Show” casts Minneapolis as progressive and neighborly, a bustling metropolis located between stereotypical Midwestern patriarchal stubbornness and a feminist future.

From Salon • Jan. 31, 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