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

That evolution—away from mimicry and toward authenticity—was at the heart of our presentation. —Jessica Dupuy, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025

This should all play like hollow mimicry — less tribute than televisual karaoke. —Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 14 May 2025

The small hidden dragon, about an inch and a half long, is a master of disguise and utilizes a defense tactic called pebble mimicry, the study said. —Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 4 June 2025

Anyone using a generative AI persona needs to keep their wits about them and realize that the conversation or engagement is nothing more than a mimicry or imitation. —Lance Eliot, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025

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