stereotype

3 definitions • 6 examples

a set idea that people have about what someone or something is like, especially an idea that is wrong:

racial/sexual stereotypes

He doesn't conform to/fit/fill the national stereotype of a Frenchman.

The characters in the book are just stereotypes.

to have a set idea about what a particular type of person is like, especially an idea that is wrong:

The study claims that British advertising stereotypes women.

We tried not to give the children sexually stereotyped toys.

an idea that is used to describe a particular type of person or thing, or a person or thing thought to represent such an idea:

All jobs can be made to fit stereotypes, but accountants are particularly easy targets.