# prototyping

/ˈpɹoʊtoʊˌtaɪpɪŋ/ (US) · /pɹˈəʊtəʊtˌaɪpɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/prototyping
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

the process of making a small model or early version of a product to test how it works. This helps you find and fix problems before making the final version.

For teachers: the creation of a preliminary model or prototype to test a concept, design, or manufacturing process. Often used in engineering, software development, and product design to iterate on functionality.

## Examples

- The team spent three weeks on prototyping before starting production.
- Rapid prototyping allows designers to test physical models of a chair much faster than traditional methods.
- By integrating user feedback into the prototyping phase, the engineering department significantly reduced the number of costly revisions required during the final manufacturing run.

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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.