anthropomorphism

noun

an·​thro·​po·​mor·​phism ˌan(t)-thrə-pə-ˈmȯr-ˌfi-zəm 

: an interpretation of what is not human or personal in terms of human or personal characteristics : humanization

Children's stories have a long tradition of anthropomorphism.

anthropomorphist

ˌan(t)-thrə-pə-ˈmȯr-fist 

noun

Examples of anthropomorphism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

On the opposite end of the anthropomorphism spectrum is a mascot like Mr. Peanut, with arms and legs and a face, but, pointedly, no googly eyes. —Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026

The challenge lies in balancing functional benefit with the risk of encouraging unnecessary anthropomorphism and its broader social consequences. —New Atlas, 8 Feb. 2026

Designers of digital voice assistants do not strive to maximize verisimilitude in their products’ anthropomorphism. —Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026

Yet anthropomorphism is not always the invalidation of observation. —Simon Duan, Scientific American, 20 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Greek anthrōpómorphos "having human form" + -ism — more at anthropomorphic

First Known Use

1650, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for anthropomorphism

• automorphism
• homomorphism
• isomorphism
• metamorphism
• dimorphism
• dwarfism
• homeomorphism

Medical Definition

anthropomorphism

noun

an·​thro·​po·​mor·​phism ˌan(t)-thrə-pə-ˈmȯr-ˌfiz-əm 

: an interpretation of what is not human or personal in terms of human or personal characteristics compare theriomorphism

anthropomorphic

-fik 

adjective

anthropomorphically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb