Definition of inanimate
1 : not animate:a : not endowed with life or spirit an inanimate objectb : lacking consciousness or power of motion an inanimate body
2 : not animated or lively : dull
inanimately
adverbinanimateness
nounExplore M-W
Examples of inanimate in a Sentence
“pathetic fallacy” is the literary term for the ascription of human feelings or motives to inanimate natural elements
Recent Examples of inanimate from the Web
-
In the attraction’s backstory, the Collector (also known as Taneleer Tivan) has acquired a number of living, dead and inanimate objects — among them the Guardians of the Galaxy — and is displaying them for tourists.
-
As in the first Toy Story, inanimate objects are often the most impressive.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'inanimate'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Did You Know?
The couch you sit on while you watch TV is an inanimate object, as is your footrest, your bag of snacks, and your remote control. Spend too much time on that couch and you risk becoming a couch potato. (A potato is an inanimate object.)
Origin and Etymology of inanimate
Middle English, from Late Latin inanimatus, from Latin in- + animatus, past participle of animare to animate
Other Biology Terms
INANIMATE Defined for English Language Learners
inanimate
playDefinition of inanimate for English Language Learners
-
: not living : not capable of life
INANIMATE Defined for Kids
inanimate
playDefinition of inanimate for Students
: not living Stones are inanimate objects.
Medical Dictionary
inanimate
playMedical Definition of inanimate
: not animate:a: not endowed with life or spiritb: lacking consciousness or power of motion
Learn More about inanimate
-
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for inanimate Spanish Central: Translation of inanimate Nglish: Translation of inanimate for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of inanimate for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up inanimate? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!