# mimicry

/ˈmɪmɪkɹi/ (US) · /mˈɪmɪkɹi/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/mimicry
Updated: 2026-10-07

## Definition

the act of copying the way someone or something looks, sounds, or behaves. You often see this in nature when one animal tries to look like another to stay safe.

For teachers: the action or art of imitating someone or something, typically in order to entertain or ridicule. In biological contexts, refers to the resemblance of one organism to another or to an object in its environment for protection or concealment.

## Examples

- The bird's mimicry of the car alarm was perfect.
- In the rainforest, certain harmless snakes use mimicry to look exactly like venomous species to scare away predators.
- The comedian's performance relied on a sophisticated mimicry of political figures, capturing not just their voices but their most subtle physical tics and rhetorical habits.

## Synonyms

imitation, copying, impersonation, simulation

## Usage notes

- Often used with the preposition 'of' to indicate the subject being imitated.

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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.