humanoid

Everyday

1. Having a shape or features like a human being: a head, two arms, two legs, walking upright. tree →
2. (noun) A robot, alien or creature that looks like a person. tree →
3. (science) A word for early human-like species in old books; scientists today usually say «hominin» or «hominid». tree →

In the lessons

In science and technology lessons, humanoid robots are robots built in the shape of a person so they can use stairs, tools and doors made for humans. In science fiction stories humanoid aliens are aliens that look roughly like people. Phrases: humanoid robot, humanoid alien, humanoid form, humanoid shape.

Examples

• The museum had a humanoid robot that could wave and shake hands. tree →
• In the film, the aliens were humanoid, with two arms and two legs. tree →
• Engineers build humanoid robots so they can walk up stairs like we do. tree →
• The statue had a humanoid shape but the head of a bird. tree →
• A humanoid robot fell over when it tried to kick a ball. tree →
• Our class drew humanoid aliens for the space story. tree →
• Not every robot is humanoid; a robot vacuum is shaped like a disc. tree →

Note

«Humanoid» means «like a human», not a real human; «-oid» means «like» (as in «asteroid» = like a star). Countable noun: a humanoid, two humanoids. Do not confuse with «human» or «humane» (kind). A robot that looks extremely real is often called an «android».