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

The government has designated robotics a strategic industry, and says that by last year, more than 140 Chinese companies had already launched more than 330 humanoid robot models.

From Barron's • Jul. 1, 2026

That leaves investors with a clearer path than the headlines suggest: own the platform for versality and flexibility, screen the suppliers for revenue, avoid paying up for the humanoid demos.

From MarketWatch • Jul. 1, 2026

For investors, that makes the first question simple: Does the company sell into a bottleneck, or into the broader humanoid dream?

From MarketWatch • Jul. 1, 2026

Developments like having humanoid robots inside factories are still likely several years away at best, and it will take time for automation and AI adoption to meaningfully move the needle in terms of earnings.

From Barron's • Jun. 30, 2026

Rachael said, “Do you know what the lifespan of a humanoid robot such as myself is? I’ve been in existence two years. How long do you calculate I have?”

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