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
- nontypically adverb
- quasi-typically adverb
- untypically adverb
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.
These storms may represent the last gasp of Southern California’s rainy season, which typically ends in April.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 27, 2026
This retail-investor slowdown has been felt among the Magnificent Seven stocks, which typically rank among retail’s most traded tickers.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 27, 2026
The wireless carrier posted solid first-quarter earnings, hiked its guidance, and said it had added subscribers during what’s typically a tough period for the telecom industry.
From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026
Gold fell in early Asian trade amid dollar strength that typically makes the dollar-denominated precious metal more expensive for holders of non-dollar currencies.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 27, 2026
They are generally charged with misdemeanors and typically receive sentences involving fines, license suspension, and community service.
From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander
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.
