humanoid

American  

[hyoo-muh-noid, yoo-] / ˈhju məˌnɔɪd, ˈju- /

adjective

1. having human characteristics or form; resembling human beings.

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noun

1. a humanoid being.

   to search for humanoids in outer space.

humanoid British  

/ ˈhjuːməˌnɔɪd /

adjective

1. like a human being in appearance

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noun

1. a being with human rather than anthropoid characteristics

2. (in science fiction) a robot or creature resembling a human being

Etymology

Origin of humanoid

First recorded in 1915–20; human + -oid

Explanation

Something that's humanoid looks or acts like a real, live human being — but it's not. A humanoid robot is one that's designed to resemble a person. Anthropologists coined the word humanoid in the 19th century, adding the suffix -oid, or "like," to human. Scientists once used it to talk about humanlike traits in non-human organisms, but today it nearly always describes an automaton or robot. In the Star Wars universe, droids like C-3PO are humanoid, while R2-D2, who doesn’t have arms and legs or a recognizable face, is not.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

humanoid

Canada and Puerto Rico, recently called humanoid robots, AI and mass automation “one of the most profound technological revolutions in our lifetimes.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 15, 2026

It isn’t yet clear whether humanoid robots can be successfully mass-produced without compromising quality and durability.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 15, 2026

The order faced particular backlash when a humanoid robot "monk" took part in an ordination ceremony in May, pledging to "devote" itself to Buddhism.

From Barron's ● Jul. 7, 2026

But ambitions for humanoid rentals go beyond the entertaining dance routines that are shared on social media, often in China.

From BBC ● Jul. 6, 2026

Rick said, “A humanoid robot is like any other machine; it can fluctuate between being a benefit and a hazard very rapidly. As a benefit it’s not our problem.”

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