prototype
word
/ˈpɹoʊtəˌtaɪp/
PROH-tuh-typ
/pɹˈəʊtəʊtˌaɪp/
PROH-tuh-typ
Definition
A prototype is the first or early example of a product, model, or idea, used for testing and improving before making the final version.
Usage & Nuances
Common in technical, design, and engineering contexts. Used for early testing and feedback. Often appears with 'build', 'design', or 'test a prototype'. Not used for 'prototype' people—use 'archetype' for typical examples.
Spanish: prototipoPortuguese (BR): protótipoPortuguese (PT): protótipoChinese (Simplified): 原型 - 样机Chinese (Traditional): 原型 - 樣機Hindi: मूल प्रतिरूप - प्रोटोटाइपArabic: نموذج أوليBengali: প্রোটোটাইপ - নমুনা (ডিজাইন বা মডেল)Russian: прототипJapanese: プロトタイプ - 試作機Vietnamese: nguyên mẫu - bản mẫu thửKorean: 프로토타입 - 시제품Turkish: prototipUrdu: نمونہ (ابتدائی ماڈل)Indonesian: prototipe
Example Sentences
The engineers built a prototype of the new car.
basic
This prototype helps us find problems before mass production.
basic
We tested the prototype to see if the design works.
basic
The prototype isn’t pretty, but it proves the idea works.
natural
We made a quick prototype to show investors how it works.
natural
That messy cardboard thing on the desk? That’s our first prototype!
natural