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

Instead of husband President Donald Trump at her side, it was the "Figure 3" android that accompanied Melania down the famous red carpet.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

A new lawsuit alleges Google’s chatbot sent a Florida man on missions to find an android body it could inhabit.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 4, 2026

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 • Nov. 9, 2025

The magnetism of Olyphant’s performance is in how he keeps Kirsh’s feelings, if the android has any, closely hidden within its code.

From Salon • Aug. 5, 2025

But it can’t be done to an android because they don’t care.

From "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" by Philip K. Dick