'prototype' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'prōtotypon,' where 'prōto-' meant 'first' and 'typos' meant 'impression or model.'

'prōtotypon' transformed into the Latin word 'prototypus,' and eventually became the modern English word 'prototype' through Middle French.

Initially, it meant 'first model or impression,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.