mimetic

adjective

mi·​met·​ic mə-ˈme-tik 

mī-

1

: imitative

2

: relating to, characterized by, or exhibiting mimicry

mimetic coloring of a butterfly

mimetically

mə-ˈme-ti-k(ə-)lē 

mī-

adverb

Synonyms

• apish
• canned
• emulative
• epigonic
• epigonous
• formulaic
• imitative
• mimic
• slavish
• unoriginal

Examples of mimetic in a Sentence

boys have a tendency toward mimetic behavior, often imitating their fathers at a fairly early age

Recent Examples on the Web

To get robotic collectives closer to Terminator’s mimetic polyalloy, the team wants to make the robots smaller. —Ars Technica, 1 Mar. 2025

These mimetic dynamics play out not just within countries but between them. —Gideon Lewis-Kraus, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025

The mimetic principles already outlined in Vitruvius (primarily the idea that the classical orders imitate the structure of a primitive wooden construction) were, from the start, fig leaves, and widely understood as such. —Mario Carpo, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2025

Indeed, what is happening might be better explained by the field of mimetic theory, which recognizes that imitation can drive decisions, stressing the role of volition and social learning in human arrangements. —Nicholas Eberstadt, Foreign Affairs, 10 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin mimeticus, from Greek mimētikos, from mimeisthai to imitate, from mimos mime

First Known Use

1637, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for mimetic

• acetic
• aesthetic
• ascetic
• athletic
• cosmetic
• diegetic
• eidetic
• emetic
• esthetic
• frenetic
• genetic
• helvetic

Kids Definition

mimetic

adjective

mi·​met·​ic mə-ˈmet-ik 

mī-

: relating to, characterized by, or exhibiting mimicry

mimetic coloring of a fish

Medical Definition

mimetic

adjective

mi·​met·​ic mə-ˈmet-ik  mī- 

: simulating the action or effect of

—usually used in combination

sympathomimetic drugs

adrenocorticomimetic activity