animatronics
n.n. the use of robots that look and move like real animals or people. You usually see them in movies or at theme parks.
n. the technique of using electronic and mechanical devices to animate puppets or lifelike figures. Often used in the film industry and theme park attractions to create realistic physical characters.
The movie used animatronics to make the dinosaurs look real.
The theme park's newest ride features advanced animatronics that can mimic human facial expressions with surprising accuracy.
While digital effects have become dominant in cinema, many directors still prefer animatronics for close-up shots to provide actors with a tangible presence to interact with on set.
A portmanteau of the words animated and electronics. The term was trademarked by Walt Disney Productions in 1964.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Takes a singular verb when referring to the technology or field of study.
Last updated July 22, 2026