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

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

In keeping with the film’s theme of authenticity, Ippolito found the line between mimicry and craft the way an actor must. — Clayton Davis, Variety, 17 Sep. 2026

There’s also evidence that some mimicry happens unconsciously. — Alesandra Dubin, Glamour, 17 Sep. 2026

Without the right support, what starts as unconscious mimicry of peers’ behavior in childhood can exact a painful toll as time goes on. — Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Studies by psychologists like Ambady, Rosenthal, and Todorov show these snap judgments, often influenced by facial features or unconscious mimicry (the chameleon effect), significantly shape outcomes. — Andy Molinsky, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1671, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Kids 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

mimicry

noun

mim·​ic·​ry ˈmim-i-krē 

plural mimicries

: an instance of mimicking something