mimicry
noun
mim·ic·ry
ˈmi-mi-krē 
plural mimicries
1
a
: an instance of mimicking
b
: the action, practice, or art of mimicking
entertained his family with mimicry and comic skits—
Cynthia Ozick
Cynthia Ozick2
: a superficial (see superficial sense 2b) resemblance of one organism to another or to natural objects among which it lives that secures it a selective advantage (such as protection from predation)
Examples of mimicry in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The small hidden dragon, about an inch and a half long, is a master of disguise and utilizes a defense tactic called pebble mimicry, the study said.
—Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 4 June 2025
Anyone using a generative AI persona needs to keep their wits about them and realize that the conversation or engagement is nothing more than a mimicry or imitation.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
This type of mimicry is also known as sympathetic magic.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
In the case of carrion mimicry, however, plants are generally tricking their insect visitors.
—Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for mimicry
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 4 June 2025
Anyone using a generative AI persona needs to keep their wits about them and realize that the conversation or engagement is nothing more than a mimicry or imitation.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
This type of mimicry is also known as sympathetic magic.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
In the case of carrion mimicry, however, plants are generally tricking their insect visitors.
—Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for mimicry
Cite this Entry
“Mimicry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mimicry. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
mimicry
noun
mim·ic·ry
ˈmim-i-krē
plural mimicries
1
: the action, art, or an instance of mimicking
2
: a resemblance of one living thing to another or to natural objects among which it lives that gives it an advantage (as concealment or protection from predators)
Medical Definition
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share