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
Derived 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.
The play closed in February, putting it at a disadvantage with Tony voters whose theatergoing typically kicks into high gear in the spring.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026
Higher yields typically put downward pressure on tech stocks because the valuations of growth companies are heavily tied to future expected earnings, and rising interest rates can squeeze their profit margins.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 7, 2026
And there’s dal makhani, a North Indian dish that calls for black lentils, kidney beans and cream, and is typically enjoyed with rice.
From Salon • Jun. 7, 2026
A clone from Kheiron typically costs around $40,000, although bulk discounts are available.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 6, 2026
Exhibit three: even if a baby is conceived, wild pandas will typically produce just one cub every two years—an exceptionally slow method of repopulating.
From "Camp Panda" by Catherine Thimmesh
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.
