Definition of STEREOTYPES (original) (raw)
1
: to make a stereotype from
2
a
: to repeat without variation : make hackneyed
b
: to develop a mental stereotype about
1
: a plate cast from a printing surface
2
: something conforming to a fixed or general pattern
especially : a standardized mental picture that is held in common by members of a group and that represents an oversimplified opinion, prejudiced attitude, or uncritical judgment
Did you know?
The words cliché and stereotype have a good deal in common. Both come from French, both were originally printers’ terms, and both have come to take on somewhat negative meanings in modern use.
Their original meanings are essentially synonymous, referring to printing blocks from which numerous prints could be made. In fact, cliché means stereotype in French. Their modern meanings, however, are quite distinct. Cliché is today overwhelmingly encountered in reference to something hackneyed, such as an overly familiar or commonplace phrase, theme, or expression. Stereotype is most frequently now employed to refer to an often unfair and untrue belief that many people have about all people or things with a particular characteristic.
Synonyms
Examples of stereotype in a Sentence
Verb
It's not fair to stereotype a whole group of people based on one person you don't like. Movies have stereotyped the domineering mother-in-law ad nauseam. Noun
the stereotype of the absentminded professor the noble savage was a stereotype that appealed to 18th-century intellectuals, who viewed European civilization as decadent and corrupt
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Some people were outright hostile to his presence, perhaps because solar bros are widely stereotyped as dishonest. —
Brendan I. Koerner, WIRED, 13 Jan. 2025 This portrayal conflicts with societal expectations of killers, who are often stereotyped as outcasts or visibly dangerous individuals. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024
This new rendition is more fluid about gender stereotypes and expectations. —Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 6 Feb. 2025 The Hills alum also rejected the stereotype that he's been living off family wealth. —Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for stereotype 
Word History
Etymology
Noun
French stéréotype, from stéré- stere- + type
First Known Use
Verb
1804, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Noun
1799, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of stereotype was in 1799
Dictionary Entries Near stereotype
Cite this Entry
“Stereotype.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stereotype. Accessed 14 Feb. 2025.
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Last Updated: 28 Jan 2025 - Updated example sentences
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