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Definition of prototype

prototype

/ˈproʊtəˌtaɪp/
pro · to · type

Adverb:prototypically
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Plural:prototypes
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Adjective:prototypical
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Past Simple:prototyped
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Past Participle:prototyped
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Present Participle:prototyping
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prototype Lexical Profile

prototype Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A first, preliminary, or experimental model of a device, vehicle, or system from which later forms are developed or copied.

Example

"The engineering team built a working prototype of the solar-powered vehicle to test its aerodynamics."


2

A person or thing that serves as the typical, original, or most representative example of a particular category or class.

Example

"The ancient Greek city-state of Athens is often cited as the historical prototype of modern democracy."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• verb

1

To design and build a preliminary working model of a product, machine, or software application for testing and evaluation.

Example

"Before committing to mass production, the developers prototyped three different user interfaces."

Synonyms
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Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 16th century via French from Late Latin prototypus, from Ancient Greek prōtotypos ('original, primitive'), combining prōtos ('first') and typos ('impression, mold, model').

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Prototype. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/prototype
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