a software package for smartphones, including many application programs
a smartphone that uses this software
From the New Latin word androīdēs, dating back to 1720–30. See andr-, -oid
How does android compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
An android is a robot that looks and acts like a human being. Sometimes they have fake skin that looks so real you can’t tell the difference. For all you know, the person sitting next to you is an android. Life’s biggest question: What’s the difference between cyborgs and androids? Cyborgs are humans with robot parts added to them, and androids start as robots and then get designed to look like humans. The Latin root androides literally means “resembling a man,” and androids really know how to blend in. Androids mostly appear in science fiction novels and films, but who knows, maybe you’re friends with an android and you don’t even know it. Yet.
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Among the very not good: GM products no longer support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 30, 2026
This past week, my colleague Angela Palumbo reported on the devastating effects that the memory shortage is having on the Android smartphone market, especially in the low-price tier.
From Barron's • May 29, 2026
This includes the little green robot that Google uses as the mascot for its Android mobile operating system.
From BBC • May 13, 2026
Google unveiled its own Android infotainment system, then Apple picked off QNX engineers to help build a whole car.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 2, 2026
“The Android Look was not a good one for me.”
From "Darius the Great Is Not Okay" by Adib Khorram
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
