Definition of prototypenext
1
as in example
one of a group or collection that shows what the whole is like a literary character who is regarded as the prototype of the fanatical and intolerant pursuer of justice

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2
as in forerunner
something belonging to an earlier time from which something else was later developed the Greek epic that is the prototype of the hero myth

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3
as in original
something from which copies are made the manufacturer exhaustively tested the prototype of the vehicle before approving production

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of prototype Seed money bought you a prototype and early customers; those proof points unlocked the Series A, which bought product-market fit, which unlocked the Series B, which bought scale. Michael Wee, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026 The Nomad 100 serves as the prototype for a scalable family of autonomous drones, ranging in size up to the equivalent of a Black Hawk helicopter. David Szondy august 02, New Atlas, 2 Aug. 2026 Some of the toys' far-out designs were taken straight out of NASA conceptual art and prototypes seen in the pages of Popular Mechanics, Life, and National Geographic magazines. Jeff Spry, Space.com, 1 Aug. 2026 After years of Ferrari’s motorsport success being built on sports racers configured with the engine mounted ahead of the driver, this 250 P prototype from 1963 was the very first of its kind to position the engine behind the pilot. Howard Walker, Robb Report, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for prototype
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prototype
Noun
  • That is a huge example that the writer of the Gospel of Mark read Homer.
    John Blake, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
  • In fact, the ranks of the Fortune 500 are replete with examples of executives who played sports at elite schools.
    Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 1 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Margaret and Alice are the forerunners of Lucy and Ethel, and Shakespeare’s comedy, written expressly to entertain, gives us a sense of what an Elizabethan-era situation comedy might look like.
    Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026
  • One of the forerunners today in Madeira and the Azores is António Maçanita from Azores Wine Company.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Noun
  • While nothing compares to the Hartford Whalers threads, the early-aughts uniforms improved on the original from 1997-98 with black outlining on the nameplate letters.
    The Athletic NHL Staff, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Being able to rebuild it, remake it, and stay true to the original was incredibly important to all of us.
    Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 30 July 2026
Noun
  • Often, there is only capacity to check a sample of invoices; the rest are paid automatically, leaving the company vulnerable to over-spending and outright fraud.
    David Prosser, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • By 2007, it was discovered that DNA samples had not been collected, leading to exhumation of the body to obtain the sample.
    Marc Anthony Lopez, ABC News, 29 July 2026
Noun
  • And their precursor is the legendary berry cake from Phoenix Bakery in Chinatown.
    Carolynn Carreño, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026
  • This seems like a logical precursor to a fund of funds and/or exchange product that allows for more real-time trading, akin to ETFs on public markets.
    Alexander S. Blume, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
Noun
  • Other evidence includes specimens found inside her home that do not belong to her or anyone close to her, though any updates on this DNA have not been shared publicly.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Biological specimens Liquid exceptions can be made in the name of science.
    Rachel Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026
Noun
  • Those with the funds to file a court case, essentially suing the Italian state for sexism against their female ancestors, are likely to win, but legal action is lengthy and costly.
    Julia Buckley, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Therefore, this benefit must reach everyone, not only those whose ancestors match the reference sets from past decades.
    William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Stock Down The Dolphins offensive line had a ton of success running behind the right guards on Friday, and there was one instance where Jonah Savaiinaea put Kenneth Grant on the Metrorial and took him for a ride.
    Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
  • Anthropic says Claude didn't discover any complex vulnerabilities during these instances.
    James Peckham, PC Magazine, 31 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Prototype.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prototype. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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