typically
Americanadverb
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in a way that serves as or conforms to a type.
The study examines the eating patterns of both typically developing children and those who have intellectual or developmental delays.
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commonly or characteristically.
A Florida thunderstorm typically works like this: lightning and thunder, torrential rain, gusty winds, and then it’s all over in about 5 to 10 minutes.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of typically
Explanation
Use the adverb typically when something happens in a general or usual way. The winner of the Miss America pageant, for example, is typically a very tall, slender young woman with long hair. You might say that it typically takes a year to get a driver's license in your state — in other words, that's how long it takes as a general rule or on average. Or you could say that while you don't typically enjoy short stories, you read one recently that you can't get out of your mind. The adjective typical is at the root of typically, from the Late Latin typicus, "of a type," and the Greek typos, "impression."
Vocabulary lists containing typically
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A magazine account admiringly described Osterberg's students, typically in their late teens, as "teachers in embryo... destined high priestesses of a new cult".
From BBC ● Jul. 23, 2026
So-called small molecules, which are typically pills dispensed by pharmacies, have generics that are much cheaper in the U.S. than abroad because of the intense price competition that patent expiration unleashes.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 22, 2026
Refinancing isn’t free; it typically costs 2% to 5% of the new loan amount, on top of an origination fee and an appraisal, according to the personal-finance website Bankrate.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 22, 2026
The morning after the address, “Fox & Friends,” the network’s flagship three-hour morning show that typically serves as a rallying ground for administration priorities, pointedly neglected to even cover the speech.
From Salon ● Jul. 22, 2026
It was a reasonable question, as even highly unusual wolves did not typically paint.
From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.