typically
Americanadverb
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in a way that serves as or conforms to a type.
The study examines the eating patterns of both typically developing children and those who have intellectual or developmental delays.
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commonly or characteristically.
A Florida thunderstorm typically works like this: lightning and thunder, torrential rain, gusty winds, and then it’s all over in about 5 to 10 minutes.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of typically
Explanation
Use the adverb typically when something happens in a general or usual way. The winner of the Miss America pageant, for example, is typically a very tall, slender young woman with long hair. You might say that it typically takes a year to get a driver's license in your state — in other words, that's how long it takes as a general rule or on average. Or you could say that while you don't typically enjoy short stories, you read one recently that you can't get out of your mind. The adjective typical is at the root of typically, from the Late Latin typicus, "of a type," and the Greek typos, "impression."
Vocabulary lists containing typically
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.
A former federal prosecutor, Faruqui said the Justice Department typically uses complaints only in exigent circumstances, such as when someone is arrested off the street or poses a flight risk.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 2, 2026
In a surprising finding, certain diets typically considered "unhealthy" or "fattening" actually improved responses to a common form of cancer immunotherapy in mice.
From Science Daily ● Nov. 2, 2026
Ukraine's air force said the "air alert" app -- which typically warns of incoming Russian drone and missile attacks -- had been "subjected to hostile interference".
From Barron's ● Nov. 2, 2026
These results may surprise you, given that the stock market typically reacts poorly to economic-policy uncertainty.
From MarketWatch ● Nov. 2, 2026
The spiritual press appealed to their typically liberal audience with articles on the benefits of racial equality and leadership qualities in women.
From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock
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