English · Word Candidate

prototype

/ˈpɹəʊtətaɪp/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: prototypes · prototyping · prototyped

Sense 1

Meaning · English

An original form or object which is a basis for other forms or objects (particularly manufactured items), or for its generalizations and models.

Noun

Examples

Near-synonym: archetype (sometimes synonymous)

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

An early sample or model built to test a concept or process.

Noun

Examples

The prototype had loose wires and rough edges, but it worked.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To create a prototype of.

Verb

Examples

In short, he has purposely perverted the whole case from beginning to end, and distorted it in such a manner, as not to be prototyped except by his own mind; […]

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “prototype” mean?

An original form or object which is a basis for other forms or objects (particularly manufactured items), or for its generalizations and models.

Is “prototype” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.