imitation

1 of 2

noun

1
: an act or instance of imitating
2
: something produced as a copy : counterfeit
3
: a literary work designed to reproduce the style of another author
4
: the repetition by one voice of a melody, phrase, or motive stated earlier in the composition by a different voice
5
: the quality of an object in possessing some of the nature or attributes of a transcendent idea
6
: the assumption of behavior observed in other individuals

imitation

2 of 2

adjective

: resembling something else that is usually genuine and of better quality : not real
imitation leather

Examples of imitation in a Sentence

Noun Children learn by imitation of adults. The restaurant was designed in imitation of a Japanese temple. He did a hilarious imitation of his father. The real diamonds are in a museum. These are just imitations. Adjective the stage production uses only imitation diamonds, as real gems would be prohibitively expensive
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.
Noun
But this is of course only an imitation of linearity. Rhian Sasseen, The Atlantic, 12 Dec. 2024 But the third nominee, Robin Williams, still got on stage at the insistence of Nicholson and ended up doing a spot-on imitation of him. Jenelle Riley, Variety, 11 Dec. 2024 Barabas’ co-conspirators planned the home invasion, which included the research and creating a list of supplies needed, which included things like two-way radios, stun guns and imitation pistols. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 8 Dec. 2024 Some of the Batmobile features include 525 horsepower, imitation gun turrets, a smokescreen delivery system, and weighs 5,500 pounds. Jason Fields, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for imitation 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English ymytacyoun "emulation," borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French imitacion, borrowed from Latin imitātiōn-, imitātiō "action of copying, copy," from imitārī "to follow as a pattern, imitate" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action

Adjective

from attributive use of imitation entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1818, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of imitation was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near imitation

Cite this Entry

“Imitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/imitation. Accessed 29 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

imitation

1 of 2 noun
1
: an act of imitating
2
: something produced as a copy

imitation

2 of 2 adjective
: resembling something else especially of better quality
imitation pearls
imitation leather

More from Merriam-Webster on imitation

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