bot

4 synonyms for bot, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Noun — A computer program that automatically performs a task, especially a repetitive one, sometimes appearing to be a real user online.

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

script

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

algorithm

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

automaton chatbot

How to use bot

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

chat bot spam bot social media bot

The insulting gaming sense ("you're such a bot") is informal slang.

Etymology

The origin is unknown. It may be a modification of Scottish Gaelic boiteag ("maggot"), but since the word already existed in Middle English, borrowing in the reverse direction is more likely. It may also come from Middle Low German [Term?].

Full origin of bot →

Frequently asked questions

What does “bot” mean?

The word “bot” means a computer program that automatically performs a task, especially a repetitive one, sometimes appearing to be a real user online. In plain terms, an automated program that acts on its own — replying, posting, or playing a game — often standing in for a human.

How do you pronounce “bot”?

“Bot” is pronounced bot (/bɑt/ in IPA).

How do you use “bot” in a sentence?

Here is “bot” used in a sentence: “Half the accounts replying to the post were bots.”

What part of speech is “bot”?

“Bot” is a noun.

Is “bot” a common word?

“Bot” is a fairly common word in modern English.

How many meanings does “bot” have?

“Bot” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a computer program that automatically performs a task, especially a repetitive one, sometimes appearing to be a real user online.

What is the difference between a bot and a script?

A script is a set of instructions that runs a task and then stops, while a bot is typically designed to run continuously or repeatedly, often interacting with users or systems as if it were a person. Bots are commonly built to mimic real users online, whereas scripts are usually just automation tools without that social element.

What does it mean to call someone a bot in gaming?

In gaming slang, calling someone a bot is an insult meaning they are playing poorly or clumsily, as if they were an unskilled computer-controlled character rather than a real, competent player. It is used informally and is considered mildly derogatory.

What is the difference between a bot and an NPC in video games?

A bot is a computer-controlled character that typically stands in for a human player, often in multiplayer modes when not enough real players are available. An NPC (non-player character) is a broader term for any computer-controlled character, including ones with fixed roles like shopkeepers or quest-givers who are not meant to replace a human.

Are all bots online harmful or fake accounts?

No, not all bots are harmful; many perform legitimate repetitive tasks such as answering customer questions or moderating content. The term simply describes a computer program that automates a task, and its intent depends on how it is used.

People also searched

script algorithm automaton chatbot

Nearby words

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