typically
Americanadverb
-
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.
-
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.
While inclusion in the S&P 500 can typically boost an individual stock, the potential presence of three new Megacap companies in the index could also lift the broader market.
From Barron's • May 1, 2026
It meant she suffered from an unbearable urge to move, which typically developed most evenings.
From BBC • May 1, 2026
Netflix has previously dabbled with theatrical releases, typically putting movies in several hundred cinemas for a few weeks at most before premiering them online.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026
About 8,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes annually, and only around five of the people who are bitten typically die, according to the U.S.
From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 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.