android

American  

[an-droid] / ˈæn drɔɪd /

noun

1. an automaton in the form of a human being.

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Android ¹ British  

/ ˈændrɔɪd /

noun

1. a software package for smartphones, including many application programs

2. a smartphone that uses this software

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android ² British  

/ ˈændrɔɪd /

noun

1. (in science fiction) a robot resembling a human being

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adjective

1. resembling a human being

Etymology

Origin of android

From the New Latin word androīdēs, dating back to 1720–30. See andr-, -oid

Compare meaning

How does android compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• cyborg vs. android

Example Sentences

The android knows how to navigate the planet’s threats—exploding spike plants, acid-spitting eels, literal razor grass—so Dek reluctantly teams up with her to find his quarry.

From The Wall Street Journal

She’s spent her whole life being cared for by android robots while her parents are away, and stockpiling perishable resources and doomsday goods for when wildfires become too widespread to ignore.

From Salon

The story follows a robot detective who is investigating a string of robot and human killings, and, like many sci-fi stories about androids and artificial intelligence, touches on themes like what makes humans human.

From Los Angeles Times

He doesn’t look hand-stitched — he looks a little like a modern android.

From Los Angeles Times

You know the species because androids have been a mainstay of science fiction since before Isaac Asimov coined the “three laws of robotics” for a novelette published in 1942.

From Los Angeles Times