robot

[ roh-bot ]

noun

1. a machine that resembles a human and does mechanical, routine tasks on command.
2. a person who acts and responds in a mechanical, routine manner, usually subject to another's will; automaton.
3. any machine or mechanical device that operates automatically with humanlike skill.

adjective

1. operating automatically:

   a robot train operating between airline terminals.

robot

/ ˈrəʊbɒt /

noun

1. any automated machine programmed to perform specific mechanical functions in the manner of a man
2. modifier not controlled by man; automatic

   a robot pilot

3. a person who works or behaves like a machine; automaton
4. a set of traffic lights

robot

/ rō′bŏt′ /

1. A machine designed to replace human beings in performing a variety of tasks, either on command or by being programmed in advance.

Derived Forms

• ˈrobot-ˌlike, adjective
• roˈbotic, adjective
• ˈrobotism, noun

Other Words From

• ro·bot·ism noun
• ro·bot·ic [roh-, bot, -ik], ro·bo·tis·tic [roh-b, uh, -, tis, -tik, -bo-], adjective
• ro·bot·like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of robot¹

< Czech, coined by Karel Čapek in the play R.U.R. (1920) from the base robot-, as in robota compulsory labor, robotník peasant owing such labor

Word History and Origins

Origin of robot¹

C20: (used in R.U.R. , a play by Karel Čapek ) from Czech robota work; related to Old Slavonic rabota servitude, German Arbeit work

Example Sentences

Television footage showed a bomb-defusing robot creeping up to the bag and poking it until it popped with a bright flash.

From Los Angeles Times

The “Robot Chicken” and “American Dad!” voice actor has already undergone surgery to place a chemotherapy port to facilitate treatments.

From Los Angeles Times

If so, then the critically acclaimed “The Wild Robot” and the charming “Inside Out 2,” Pixar’s highest-grossing film of all time, would like your attention.

From Los Angeles Times

So when we hear Berry's voice, whether in Prime Video’s “Fallout” or as a charismatic Beaver in “The Wild Robot,” it can’t be helped if the image of his vampire in Staten Island sparks a mild cognitive dissonance.

From Salon

In its second weekend, “The Wild Robot,” Universal and DreamWorks adaptation of Peter Brown’s books about a shipment of household robots that goes awry, took in $6.7 million, followed by Paramount’s “Smile 2,” with $5 million.

From Los Angeles Times