noun
mimicry
MIM-ik-ree
Mimicry (noun) means the act or ability of copying the appearance, sound or behaviour of someone or something else. Example: “The comedian's mimicry of the prime minister had the whole audience laughing.”
noun
1
The act or ability of copying the appearance, sound or behaviour of someone or something else.
"The comedian's mimicry of the prime minister had the whole audience laughing."
"Mimicry lets a harmless insect look like a dangerous one to keep predators away."
"Her mimicry of regional accents was so good that people thought she was a native speaker."
How to use mimicry
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMimicry is copying how something else looks, sounds or acts.
When to use it
It is a neutral, everyday word used in both ordinary speech and in biology.
Memory tip
Remember the noun form ends in -ry, not -ary or -ery: mimicry, not mimicary.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
animal mimicry
vocal mimicry
act of mimicry
skilled at mimicry
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The comedian's _____ of the prime minister had the whole audience laughing.
Etymology
The word is built from mimic, meaning to copy or imitate, with the suffix -ry added to turn it into a noun naming that activity.
Synonyms
View more →
imitation
apery
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does mimicry mean?
It means copying the appearance, sound or behaviour of another person, animal or thing.
Is mimicry the same as imitation?
They are close in meaning, but mimicry is often used for closely copying appearance or behaviour, especially in animals, while imitation covers copying more generally.
Why do animals use mimicry?
Many animals mimic another species' looks or behaviour so that predators mistake them for something dangerous or unpleasant, which helps them survive.
What is the meaning of mimicry?
"mimicry" (noun) means the act or ability of copying the appearance, sound or behaviour of someone or something else.
