animatronic

adjective

an·​i·​ma·​tron·​ic ˌa-nə-mə-ˈträ-nik How to pronounce animatronic (audio)
: of, relating to, or being a puppet or similar figure that is animated by means of electromechanical devices
animatronically
ˌa-nə-mə-ˈträ-ni-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce animatronic (audio)
adverb

Examples of animatronic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The ride started in the prehistoric era, and showcased animatronic dinosaurs, then went through various scenes of how humans have used energy throughout history. — Julie Tremaine, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026 To mark the occasion, the brand installed an animatronic version of Kusama in its New York store and a towering bust of the artist in its Paris flagship. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 2 Sep. 2026 The upgrades will also include a new fleet of animatronic winged monkeys and pyrotechnic fireworks. — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026 Since the animatronic shark frequently malfunctioned on set, Jaws was forced to merely suggest the creature’s foreboding presence with ominous first-person camerawork instead of showing the killer up close. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for animatronic

Word History

Etymology

short for audio-animatronic

First Known Use

1972, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of animatronic was in 1972

Phrases Containing animatronic

Rhymes for animatronic

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Browse Nearby Words

animatron
animatronic
animatronics
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Cite this Entry

“Animatronic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/animatronic. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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