noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

stereotype

STEH-ree-uh-typ

Stereotype (noun) means an oversimplified, fixed idea about a whole group of people, often unfair or inaccurate. Example: “The film leans on a lazy stereotype about small-town life.”

noun

An oversimplified, fixed idea about a whole group of people, often unfair or inaccurate.

"The film leans on a lazy stereotype about small-town life."

"She refused to fit the stereotype people expected of her."

verb

To judge or portray someone based on an oversimplified idea of the group they belong to, rather than as an individual.

"The article was criticized for stereotyping an entire profession."

How to Use Stereotype

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA generalized, often unfair label applied to a whole group, or the act of applying one.

Common mistake

It's almost always negative or reductive — don't use it as a neutral synonym for "type" or "category."

Common pairings

fit the stereotype break the stereotype negative stereotype

Word Forms

stereotyped past tense, stereotypes plural, stereotypes singular

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The film leans on a lazy _____ about small-town life.

Etymology

Borrowed from French stéréotype, originally a printing term for a solid metal plate; the "oversimplified idea about a group" sense dates to Walter Lippmann's 1922 book Public Opinion.

Origin: French · First attested 1922

Class of 1922 stereotype joined the language around 1922.

See the full Class of 1922 →

Rhymes for stereotype

hype type skype teletype prototype archetype

See all rhymes for stereotype →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “stereotype” mean?

The word “stereotype” means an oversimplified, fixed idea about a whole group of people, often unfair or inaccurate. In plain terms, a generalized, often unfair label applied to a whole group, or the act of applying one.

How do you pronounce “stereotype”?

“Stereotype” is pronounced STEH-ree-uh-typ (/ˈstɛɹ.i.əˌtaɪp/ in IPA).

How do you use “stereotype” in a sentence?

Here is “stereotype” used in a sentence: “The film leans on a lazy stereotype about small-town life.”

What part of speech is “stereotype”?

Depending on how it is used, “stereotype” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “stereotype” come from?

The word “stereotype” dates back to around 1922 and comes from French. Borrowed from French stéréotype, originally a printing term for a solid metal plate; the "oversimplified idea about a group" sense dates to Walter Lippmann's 1922 book Public Opinion.

Is “stereotype” a common word?

“Stereotype” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “stereotype” have?

“Stereotype” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an oversimplified, fixed idea about a whole group of people, often unfair or inaccurate.