prototypical

adjective

pro·​to·​typ·​i·​cal ˌprō-tə-ˈti-pi-kəl How to pronounce prototypical (audio)
variants or less commonly prototypic
ˌprō-tə-ˈti-pik How to pronounce prototypical (audio)
: of, relating to, or being a prototype
prototypically
ˌprō-tə-ˈti-pi-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce prototypical (audio)
adverb

Examples of prototypical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Percolation captures a vast array of phenomena, but the prototypical examples involve fluids, like hot water seeping through a bed of coffee grounds. — Leila Sloman, Quanta Magazine, 31 Aug. 2026 The talent cannot be questioned with BTJ nor can his prototypical size and speed to be a dominant receiver. — Jonathan Rubin, Charlotte Observer, 26 Aug. 2026 El-Sayed ran a prototypical primary campaign, positioning himself as a progressive outsider against a moderate insider. — Michael Traugott, The Conversation, 12 Aug. 2026 The prototypical obituary subject lived to be 81, which meant 44 years had elapsed between the accomplishment and, in the cases of the many obscure and quirky characters, their public aggrandizement. — Sam Roberts, Longreads, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prototypical

Word History

First Known Use

1650, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prototypical was in 1650

Rhymes for prototypical

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Browse Nearby Words

prototype
prototypical
prototyping
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Cite this Entry

“Prototypical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prototypical. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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