prototype vs example

prototype and example both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
prototype	Yes	No	No	No
example	Yes	No	No	No

As nouns, example is a hypernym of prototype; that is, example is a word with a broader meaning than prototype:

Other hypernyms of prototype include model.

prototype (noun)	example (noun)
a standard or typical example	a task performed or problem solved in order to develop skill or understanding
	an item of information that is typical of a class or group
	something to be imitated
	a representative form or pattern
	punishment intended as a warning to others
	an occurrence of something