# mecha

/ˈmɛkə/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/mecha
Updated: 2026-09-28

## Definition

a large robot that is controlled by a person sitting inside it. You usually see these in science fiction movies, video games, and Japanese cartoons.

For teachers: a large, pilotable robotic vehicle or suit, typically humanoid in form, appearing as a staple of science fiction and anime.

## Examples

- The pilot climbed into the mecha to prepare for battle.
- In many science fiction stories, a mecha is depicted as a walking tank that requires a highly skilled human operator to control its movements.
- The genre often explores the psychological bond between the pilot and the mecha, suggesting that the machine is an extension of the human body rather than just a vehicle.

## Usage notes

- Often used as a collective noun for the genre itself or as a countable noun for individual robots.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.