mimicry

[ mim-ik-ree ]

noun

, plural mim·ic·ries.

1. the act, practice, or art of mimicking.
2. Biology. the close external resemblance of an organism, the mimic, to some different organism, the model, such that the mimic benefits from the mistaken identity, as seeming to be unpalatable or harmful.
3. an instance, performance, or result of mimicking.

mimicry

/ ˈmɪmɪkrɪ /

noun

1. the act or art of copying or imitating closely; mimicking
2. the resemblance shown by one animal species, esp an insect, to another, which protects it from predators

mimicry

/ mĭm′ĭ-krē /

1. The resemblance of one organism to another or to an object in its surroundings for concealment or protection from predators.
2. See also aggressive mimicry

Word History and Origins

Origin of mimicry¹

First recorded in 1680–90; mimic + -ry

Example Sentences

While the outfit went viral on TikTok and Instagram, Mozejewski said he got called out a bit by some graffiti artists who called his attempts at mimicry “toy,” meaning kind of novice.

From Los Angeles Times

Barnes nails Trump’s pursed lips and soft squint without ever descending into mimicry.

From Salon

Astronomers exploring the faraway universe with the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA’s most powerful telescope, have found a class of galaxies that challenges even the most skillful creatures in mimicry – like the mimic octopus.

From Salon

There are also concerns that AI mimicry could be used by unscrupulous humans to hunt and lure whales and other species to their doom.

From Salon

“I don’t mean in mimicry. I mean in feeling.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• pastiche