humanoid: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, Technical, Literary
Quick answer
What does “humanoid” mean?
Having an appearance or characteristics resembling those of a human.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Having an appearance or characteristics resembling those of a human.
A robot, artificial being, or creature designed to look or function like a human; also used to describe non-human entities (e.g., aliens, statues) with human-like form.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation follow regional standards.
Connotations
In both varieties, strongly associated with science fiction (robots, aliens) and technology (humanoid robots).
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both varieties, with a slight uptick in American English due to tech industry prominence.
Grammar
How to Use “humanoid” in a Sentence
adjective + humanoid (e.g., 'bipedal humanoid')humanoid + noun (e.g., 'humanoid anatomy')verb + humanoid (e.g., 'design a humanoid', 'resemble a humanoid')Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “humanoid” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- This verb form is not standard for 'humanoid'.
American English
- This verb form is not standard for 'humanoid'.
adverb
British English
- This adverb form is not standard for 'humanoid'.
American English
- This adverb form is not standard for 'humanoid'.
adjective
British English
- The ancient statue had a vaguely humanoid silhouette.
- Researchers are developing a more agile humanoid chassis.
American English
- They discovered humanoid footprints in the cavern.
- The prototype has a fully humanoid upper body.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in tech/R&D sectors discussing product design (e.g., 'We are investing in humanoid service robots').
Academic
Used in robotics, computer science, anthropology, and science fiction studies.
Everyday
Most common in discussions about sci-fi movies, books, or advanced technology.
Technical
Precise term in robotics and AI for machines designed with a human-like torso, head, arms, and legs.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “humanoid”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “humanoid”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “humanoid”
- Using 'humanoid' to mean 'humane' (e.g., 'His actions were very humanoid' ❌).
- Overusing as a synonym for 'human' in non-technical contexts.
- Misspelling as 'hummanoid' or 'humaniod'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. An android is a type of humanoid robot specifically designed to look and act like a human. 'Humanoid' is a broader term for anything with human-like form, including aliens, statues, or robots that may not look perfectly human.
No, that is a common error. 'Humanoid' refers to physical form, not behaviour. The correct word for compassionate behaviour is 'humane'.
It is generally neutral and descriptive. Connotation depends on context: positive in tech (innovation), potentially sinister in horror/sci-fi (uncanny valley).
'Anthropomorphic' means attributing human characteristics (like emotions or speech) to non-human things (e.g., talking animals in cartoons). 'Humanoid' specifically refers to having a human-like physical form or structure.
Having an appearance or characteristics resembling those of a human.
Humanoid is usually formal, technical, literary in register.
Humanoid: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhjuː.mə.nɔɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhjuː.mə.nɔɪd/ or /ˈjuː.mə.nɔɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to 'humanoid']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'HUMAN' + 'OID' (meaning 'resembling'). A humanoid resembles a human.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE HUMAN FORM IS THE IDEAL/TEMPLATE FOR INTELLIGENT AGENCY.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'humanoid' used with the most technical precision?