robot

[roh-bot]

noun

1. a machine that resembles a human and does mechanical, routine tasks on command.

2. a person who acts and responds in a mechanical, routine manner, usually subject to another's will; automaton.

3. any machine or mechanical device that operates automatically with humanlike skill.

adjective

1. operating automatically.

   a robot train operating between airline terminals.

robot

/ ˈrəʊbɒt /

noun

1. any automated machine programmed to perform specific mechanical functions in the manner of a man

2. (modifier) not controlled by man; automatic

   a robot pilot

3. a person who works or behaves like a machine; automaton

4. a set of traffic lights

robot

1. A machine designed to replace human beings in performing a variety of tasks, either on command or by being programmed in advance.

Other Word Forms

• robotism noun
• robotic adjective
• robotistic adjective
• robotlike adjective
• robot-like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of robot¹

< Czech, coined by Karel Čapek in the play R.U.R. (1920) from the base robot-, as in robota compulsory labor, robotník peasant owing such labor

Word History and Origins

Origin of robot¹

C20: (used in R.U.R. , a play by Karel _Čapek ) from Czech robota work; related to Old Slavonic rabota servitude, German Arbeit work

Example Sentences

When asked to recall the earliest movie that defined robots for him, “Alien: Earth” star Timothy Olyphant leapt from Ridley Scott’s universe into an entirely different sector of space.

From Salon

He must also hit an operational milestone alongside each market milestone, which include the robot and vehicle targets.

From BBC

The commemoration - the songs, the marches, the missiles, the drones, even the "robot wolves" - was not so much about China's struggle.

From BBC

"They were like robots - no one could talk about it."

From BBC

Artificial intelligence and robots would handle most of the labor currently done by people, leaving us to pursue enriching endeavors.

From Salon