# mimicking

/ˈmɪmɪkɪŋ/ (US) · /mˈɪmɪkɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/mimicking
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

copying the way someone or something looks, sounds, or behaves. You use this when something is very similar to something else, often to be funny or to hide.

For teachers: reproducing the appearance, sound, or behaviour of another entity. Often used as a participial adjective to describe biological adaptations or imitative actions.

## Examples

- The robot has a mimicking voice that sounds just like a human.
- Some insects survive by mimicking the appearance of dangerous predators to scare away birds.
- The software uses a mimicking algorithm to replicate the brushstrokes of famous painters, creating digital art that is nearly indistinguishable from physical oil paintings.

## Pitfalls

- Not "mimicing" but "mimicking" — Verbs ending in 'ic' require a 'k' before adding 'ing' or 'ed' to maintain the hard 'k' sound.

## Usage notes

- Often functions as a participial adjective; when used as a verb form, it requires a direct object.

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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.