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

His library design is genuinely superb mimicry, an excellent set that feels midway between real Erich Mendelsohn and Richard Neutra projects. —Anthony Paletta, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Feb. 2025

Haldar and her team would be the first to test directly for animal mimicry of intransitive actions. —Ashley Belanger, Ars Technica, 6 Feb. 2025

The video’s call letter opening, spot-on mimicry of broadcast news and poor video quality are hilarious and touching. —Lisa Kennedy, Variety, 3 Feb. 2025

His mimicry of Satchmo, the baseline test all these shows must pass, really is quite impressive. —Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 11 Nov. 2024

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