stereotype

[ ster-ee-uh-tahyp, steer- ]

noun

1. a simplified and standardized conception or image invested with special meaning and held in common by members of a group:

   Cowboys and Indians are American stereotypes.

2. a set form; convention:

   Most important for lexicographers are the idiomatic stereotypes whose meaning cannot be inferred from knowledge of the meanings of the individual items.

3. Printing.
   1. a process, now often replaced by more advanced methods, for making metal printing plates by taking a mold of composed type or the like in papier-mâché or other material and then taking from this mold a cast in type metal.
   2. a plate made by this process.

verb (used with object)

, ster·e·o·typed, ster·e·o·typ·ing.

1. to characterize or regard as a stereotype:

   The actor has been stereotyped as a villain.

   Synonyms: typecast, label, categorize

2. to give a fixed form to.
3. Printing. to make a stereotype of.

stereotype

/ ˌstɛrɪə ˈtɪpɪk; ˌstɪər-; ˈstɛrɪəˌtaɪp; ˈstɪər- /

noun

1. 1. a method of producing cast-metal printing plates from a mould made from a forme of type matter in papier-mâché or some other material
   2. the plate so made
2. another word for stereotypy
3. an idea, trait, convention, etc, that has grown stale through fixed usage
4. sociol a set of inaccurate, simplistic generalizations about a group that allows others to categorize them and treat them accordingly

verb

1. 1. to make a stereotype of
   2. to print from a stereotype
2. to impart a fixed usage or convention to

stereotype

¹

1. A too-simple and therefore distorted image of a group, such as “Football players are stupid” or “The English are cold and unfriendly people.”

stereotype

²

1. A generalization, usually exaggerated or oversimplified and often offensive, that is used to describe or distinguish a group.

Derived Forms

• ˈstereoˌtyper, noun
• stereotypic, adjective

Other Words From

• ster·e·o·typ·er ster·e·o·typ·ist noun
• ster·e·o·typ·i·cal ster·e·o·typ·ic [ster-ee-, uh, -, tip, -ik, steer-], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of stereotype¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; stereo- + -type

Example Sentences

Executive produced by former First Lady Michelle Obama, “The Later Daters” is not the first reality show to feature dynamic older people searching for romance and defying stereotypes about their age group.

From Los Angeles Times

For example, when a team prompted generative AI tools to produce images of people in various occupations, some perpetuated gender and racial stereotypes rather than reproducing the actual demographics of those workers.

From Science Daily

"I ultimately would hope that people can move beyond whatever stereotypes they have about farming and families who farm," Scheyett said.

From Science Daily

Despite her success, she still gets "mixed views" from men in the sport and hopes her place and an upcoming Netflix series following some of her peers, will help overtake stereotypes.

From BBC

"While they may generate sympathy and donations, they perpetuate damaging stereotypes that stifle Africa's economic growth, tourism, and investment, ultimately costing the continent trillions and destroying its dignity, pride and identity."

From BBC

Related Words

• pattern