noun

prototype

PROH-tuh-typ

noun

An early working model built to test an idea before full production.

"Engineers tested the prototype in a wind tunnel."

"The startup showed off its first prototype at the trade show."

verb

To build an early test version of something.

"The team prototyped the app in just two weeks."

How to Use Prototype

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA first, testable version of a product or design, used to check whether an idea actually works.

Common pairings

build a prototype prototype stage

prototyped past tense, prototypes plural, prototypes singular

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Engineers tested the _____ in a wind tunnel.

From Ancient Greek prōtótupos, "original pattern," from prôtos ("first") plus túpos ("impression, model.")

hype type skype teletype archetype stereotype