# mimic

/ˈmɪmɪk/ (US) · /mˈɪmɪk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/mimic
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. to copy behavior or speech

verb · CEFR B2

to copy the way someone talks, moves, or behaves, often to make people laugh.

For teachers: to imitate the voice, gestures, or mannerisms of another, frequently for the purpose of ridicule or entertainment.

- The comedian could mimic the president's voice perfectly, making the whole audience laugh.
- The satirist spent years learning to mimic the subtle inflections of the aristocracy to sharpen the bite of his social commentary.

### 2. to look like something else

verb · CEFR C1 · Technical

to look or act like something else in order to stay safe or hide.

For teachers: to evolve or assume a resemblance to another organism or an inanimate object, typically for protection or camouflage.

- Some harmless snakes mimic the colors of poisonous ones to scare away predators.
- The insect has evolved to mimic a dead leaf, allowing it to remain undetected by birds while resting on the forest floor.

### 3. a person who imitates

noun · CEFR B2

a person who is very good at copying others.

For teachers: a person, such as an actor or performer, who is skilled at imitating others.

- She is a talented mimic who can do over twenty different accents.
- As a natural mimic, he found it easy to blend into different social circles by adopting the local dialect almost instantly.

### 4. imitative or fake

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

used to describe something that is an imitation or not real.

For teachers: characterized by imitation; simulated or mock in nature.

- The soldiers took part in a mimic battle to practice their skills.
- The researchers conducted a mimic trial to observe how the new software would perform under simulated market pressure.

## Examples

- The parrot can mimic the sound of a ringing phone perfectly.
- Some harmless flies mimic the appearance of wasps to discourage predators from attacking them.
- The comedian's ability to mimic the subtle vocal inflections of various world leaders made his political satire both popular and remarkably biting.

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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.