mimicry

noun

mim·ic·ry | \ˈmi-mi-krē

plural mimicries

Definition of mimicry

1a : an instance of mimicking

b : the action, practice, or art of mimicking entertained his family with mimicry and comic skits— Cynthia Ozick

2 : 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

Location: Costa Rica Plenty of creatures use mimicry and camouflage to great effect, but this tiny beetle takes it to another level. — Sean Greene, latimes.com, "A rare great ape, a 130-foot-tall tree and an extinct marsupial lion make the Top 10 New Species list for 2018," 23 May 2018 Both saxophonists evoke the concise, often clipped, syntax of Mr. Threadgill’s playing without resorting to mimicry: Mr. Filiú (who also plays alto flute) with an urgent intensity, and Mr. Macdonald through more of a narrative arc. — Larry Blumenfeld, WSJ, "‘Double Up, Plays Double Up Plus’ and ‘Dirt… and More Dirt’ Reviews," 22 May 2018 Debbie hands off her baby and steps into the ring; Ruth’s mimicry of aggression turns into a frantic, failed attempt at de-escalation. — Sonia Saraiya, HWD, "Marc Maron Is Great in GLOW, and Maybe That’s a Problem," 29 June 2018 He was known for his flair on the campaign trail, his talent for mimicry, his love of a good party, and his personal style. — Elizabeth Angell, Town & Country, "A Very English Scandal," 29 June 2018 That mimicry is part of the subject of these songs. — John Adamian, courant.com, "Music Festivals And Concerts Not To Miss This Week," 18 June 2018 Schieffer sprinkled his comments with brief but credible and crowd-pleasing mimicry of Walter Cronkite, Henry Kissinger and Richard Nixon. — Martha Quillin, star-telegram, "White House no longer credible, but the Parkland kids might be, CBS newsman says | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 24 May 2018 Anthony, a member of a marching band who had always watched these girls, spellbound, stumbled upon this subculture one day and helped to form it into something more than just mimicry. — Mikelle Street, Billboard, "Choreographer Jamal Sims Talks Directorial Debut With Queer Underground Dance Documentary 'When the Beat Drops'," 10 Apr. 2018 The Projectionist gave McCann the opportunity to show off his talent for mimicry. — Chris Koseluk, The Hollywood Reporter, "Chuck McCann, Comic Actor and Popular Kids TV Host, Dies at 83," 9 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'mimicry.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.