# prototype

/ˈpɹoʊtəˌtaɪp/ (US) · /pɹˈəʊtəʊtˌaɪp/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/prototype
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. early model

noun · CEFR B2

the first version of a product or machine that is built to see if an idea works.

For teachers: an early sample, model, or release of a product built to test a concept or process.

- The engineers built a wooden prototype of the new car to test the seating.
- The design team presented a functional prototype to the investors, demonstrating that the battery technology was viable for mass production.

### 2. original pattern

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic

the original form of something that later versions are based on.

For teachers: an original type, form, or instance that serves as a basis or standard for later stages.

- This 19th-century machine was the prototype for all modern printing presses.
- Scholars argue that this early manuscript served as the prototype for the various regional versions of the myth found across the continent.

### 3. function declaration

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a line of code that tells a computer the name and basic details of a function.

For teachers: a declaration of a function that specifies the name, return type, and parameters, but omits the implementation body.

- You need to define the function prototype at the top of your code.
- The compiler threw an error because the function call did not match the arguments specified in the prototype.

### 4. to build a model

verb · CEFR B2

to make a first version of something to test it.

For teachers: to create a preliminary version or model of a product or system.

- We need to prototype the app's interface before we start the actual coding.
- The startup spent six months prototyping different wing shapes to maximise the drone's flight time.

## Examples

- The engineers are testing the new car prototype today.
- After building a digital prototype of the app, the designers asked users for feedback to fix any navigation issues.
- The transition from a rough prototype to a market-ready product requires rigorous testing to ensure that the initial design can withstand real-world conditions and heavy usage.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.