anthropomorphic

adjective

an·​thro·​po·​mor·​phic ˌan(t)-thrə-pə-ˈmȯr-fik 

1

: described or thought of as having a human form or human attributes

anthropomorphic deities

stories involving anthropomorphic animals

2

: ascribing human characteristics to nonhuman things

anthropomorphic supernaturalism

anthropomorphic beliefs about nature

anthropomorphically

ˌan(t)-thrə-pə-ˈmȯr-fi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Did you know?

As word lovers, we are endlessly fascinated by the uniqueness and complexity of human language. Many species use sounds and gestures to communicate with one another, but the ability to speak in full sentences, to share abstract ideas, and to write and tell stories is distinctly anthropic. Brilliant though dogs may be, they can’t verbalize their hopes and dreams. That is, unless those dogs are anthropomorphic—a trait common in works of fiction. From chatty chiweenies to tangoing tapirs, depictions of anthropomorphic animals abound thanks to our creative superpowers.

Examples of anthropomorphic in a Sentence

a story in which the characters are anthropomorphic animals

Recent Examples on the Web

Rather than follow anthropomorphic animal actors in Hollywood, Long Story Short is a funny, heartfelt look at three Jewish siblings, voiced by Ben Feldman, Abbi Jacobson, and Max Greenfield, cutting back and forth between their childhood and adult lives. —James Grebey, Vulture, 22 Aug. 2025

Sullivan suggested a focus timer, while Green devised the anthropomorphic bean and its knitting hobby. —Esme Fox, NBC news, 20 Aug. 2025

The pich was seen as an anthropomorphic mother figure, so revered that it was forbidden to swear in her presence. —Literary Hub, 15 Aug. 2025

Wawa’s mascot, Wally the Goose, is an anthropomorphic Canada Goose often seen at major company events like store openings, dressed in a red Wawa T-shirt. —Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 13 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Greek anthrōpómorphos "having human form" (from anthrōpo- anthropo- + -morphos -morphous) + -ic entry 1

First Known Use

1802, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for anthropomorphic

• homeomorphic
• automorphic
• geomorphic
• holomorphic
• homomorphic
• isomorphic
• meromorphic
• metamorphic
• monomorphic
• polymorphic
• dimorphic
• dysmorphic

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