animatronics

American  

[an-uh-muh-tron-iks] / ˌæn ə məˈtrɒn ɪks /

noun

1. (used with a singular verb) the technology connected with the use of electronics to animate puppets or other figures, as for motion pictures.

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animatronics British  

/ ˌænɪməˈtrɒnɪks /

noun

1. (functioning as singular) a branch of film and theatre technology that combines traditional puppetry techniques with electronics to create lifelike animated effects

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Other Word Forms

• animatronic adjective

Etymology

Origin of animatronics

1975–80; blend of animate and electronics

Example Sentences

A disquieting collection of animatronics became fixtures in the director’s life.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 8, 2025

An outside expert in animatronics, who typically works in television and theater, gives them an annual tuneup.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 23, 2025

Using animatronics and other tools, many of these practical critters moved and appeared to even breathe, causing more than a few of us to scream in surprise.

From Salon • Jul. 17, 2025

The resort, which also includes three hotels, features technologically-advanced animatronics and detailed rides like Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, which showcases many of Universal’s monsters.

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2025

She was neat and efficient in her every little thing, from her shining red hair to her careful accounting of each gear and cog in the animatronics that were in her charge.

From Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom by Doctorow, Cory