What does mimicking mean?
“Mimicking” means imitating or closely copying the appearance, actions, speech, voice, or behavior of someone or something. It is the present participle of “mimic” and is also used adjectively for things characterized by imitation, such as a mimicking bird or a mocking manner. The word often suggests a particularly noticeable or faithful reproduction, especially when it refers to vocal sounds, accents, facial expressions, or habitual movements. In natural contexts, one might say that a child is mimicking a parent or that a performer is mimicking a public figure. Although “imitating” is broader and less strongly associated with copying someone’s distinctive mannerisms, “mimicking” is especially effective when the imitation is close, conspicuous, or entertaining. The word is common in both British and American English and appears in ordinary speech as well as formal descriptions of animal behavior and performance.
To imitate or closely copy the appearance, actions, speech, voice, or behavior of someone or something.
"The performer spent the evening mimicking famous singers."
Often implies a close or conspicuous imitation, particularly of a person’s voice, accent, or mannerisms.
Imitative; characterized by closely copying the appearance, voice, or behavior of another.
"The mimicking parrot sounded exactly like the veterinarian."
This adjectival use is less common than the verbal present participle and often describes animals, people, or performances.
A mimicking animal may copy not only what others do, but also how they sound—explaining why parrots can become convincing conversationalists.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does mimicking come from?
The word comes through the English verb “mimic,” which was borrowed from the Latin “mimus,” meaning “mime” or “actor,” ultimately from the Greek “mimos,” an actor or mimic. The same Greek root also lies behind English words such as “mime,” “mimetic,” and “mimesis.” The development of “mimicking” follows the ordinary English pattern of adding the present-participle ending “-ing” to the verb “mimic.”
Related word forms
How mimicking is actually used
The form is most commonly the present participle of “mimic.” As an adjective, “mimicking” is somewhat literary or descriptive and often refers to behavior that imitates another closely. The word can imply deliberate copying, especially of a person’s voice or mannerisms.
Easily confused with mimicking
“Mimicking” usually suggests closely copying someone’s appearance, voice, or mannerisms, while “imitating” is a more general term for copying an action or style.