artificial
adjective
ar·ti·fi·cial
ˌär-tə-ˈfi-shᵊl 
1
a
: made, produced, or done by humans especially to seem like something natural : man-made
an artificial reef
artificial sweetener
an artificial limb
artificial diamonds
see also artificial intelligence
b
medical
: serving to temporarily or permanently supplement or replace a usually vital bodily function or necessary substance (such as nutrients or water)
artificial hydration
Ezekiel, who has relied on artificial nutrition since he was a baby, because of food allergies and eating problems, receives most of his nutrition through tube feeding …—
Gavin Engelbrecht
see also artificial insemination, artificial respiration
Gavin Engelbrecht2
: caused or produced by human actions or methods especially for economic, social, or political aims
King [Martin Luther King Jr.] often pointed out that national boundaries were artificial. In September of 1964, during a visit to Germany, he thrilled audiences in both East and West Berlin with his talk of the need for brotherhood to a people divided by the Berlin Wall.—Jason Sokol
Jason SokolWithin these companies, qualified women run into artificial barriers that prevent them from advancing to top positions in management.—James J. Kilpatrick
James J. KilpatrickYet if the characters in a children's novel are as complex, the symbolism as sophisticated, and the themes as profound as those in serious fiction, what makes it unsuitable for adults? What if the distinction between children's literature and adult literature is artificial to begin with?—Maria Devlin McNair
Maria Devlin McNair3
a
: not being, showing, or resembling sincere or spontaneous behavior : fake
an artificial smile
Their concern seemed artificial.
He's artificial and soulless and certainly not above being a poseur.—Ben Wener and Martin Wisckol
Ben Wener and Martin Wisckol… everything about the movie feels artificial, from the singers' blatantly Auto-Tuned voices to the CGI acrobatics.—Stephanie Merry
Stephanie Merry… some of the younger thesps prove adept at sending up the social airs and artificial mannerisms of their characters …—Marilyn Stasio
Marilyn StasioWhy, I can smile, and murder whiles I smile, / And cry 'Content' to that which grieves my heart, / And wet my cheeks with artificial tears, / And frame my face to all occasions.—William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare4
in biological classification
: based on differential morphological characters not necessarily indicative of natural relationships
Another fundamental type is an artificial classification system, in which several key characters, often very easy to observe, are chosen as the basis of classification. Good examples are roadside floras and picture guides to plants, birds, and mammals …—James D. Mauseth
James D. MausethThese qualities can be incorporated into a natural key (a key that follows a natural classification), but they are more frequently realized in an artificial key.—E. O. Wiley and Bruce S. Lieberman
E. O. Wiley and Bruce S. LiebermanSynonyms
Examples of artificial in a Sentence
the world's first artificial heart
This product contains no artificial colors natural substances are used.
The country's borders are artificial, and were set with no consideration for the various ethnic groups in the region.
Recent Examples on the Web
Starting closer to the trunk of your artificial tree, adjoin a small, real sprig to a fake branch with a few twists of wire.
—Kristi Kellogg, Architectural Digest, 23 Oct. 2024
The development of artificial reefs, for example, is one initiative that spotlights Dubai’s holistic approach to protecting the marine ecosystem.
—Dubai Tourism Contributor, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024
This artificial olive tree will add just the right amount of greenery to a living room, entryway, or bedroom (without the responsibility of a real plant), while a fuzzy throw blanket, like this $12 version, is functional and stylish.
—Megan Schaltegger, People.com, 22 Oct. 2024
The My Texas House holiday decor storefront is brimming with festive pieces that will look great in any Southern home, including wooden candle holders, wall art adorned with reindeer and pine trees, and realistic artificial trees to add a touch of nature to your space.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for artificial 
Kristi Kellogg, Architectural Digest, 23 Oct. 2024
The development of artificial reefs, for example, is one initiative that spotlights Dubai’s holistic approach to protecting the marine ecosystem.
—Dubai Tourism Contributor, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024
This artificial olive tree will add just the right amount of greenery to a living room, entryway, or bedroom (without the responsibility of a real plant), while a fuzzy throw blanket, like this $12 version, is functional and stylish.
—Megan Schaltegger, People.com, 22 Oct. 2024
The My Texas House holiday decor storefront is brimming with festive pieces that will look great in any Southern home, including wooden candle holders, wall art adorned with reindeer and pine trees, and realistic artificial trees to add a touch of nature to your space.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for artificial
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'artificial.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near artificial
Cite this Entry
“Artificial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/artificial. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
artificial
adjective
ar·ti·fi·cial
ˌärt-ə-ˈfish-əl
1
: made, produced, or performed by human beings often following a natural model or process
artificial flowers
artificial pollination
2
: not genuine or sincere : forced
an artificial smile
Etymology
Middle English artificial "made or done by humans rather than occurring in nature," from early French artificiel (same meaning) or Latin artificialis "contrived by art," from Latin artificium "skill, artistry, craft," derived from arti- (from art-, ars "skill") and facere "to make, do" — related to fashion, manufacture, perfect
Medical Definition
artificial
adjective
ar·ti·fi·cial
ˌärt-ə-ˈfish-əl
1
a
: made, produced, or done by humans especially to seem like something natural
an artificial limb
b
: serving to temporarily or permanently supplement or replace a usually vital bodily function or necessary substance (such as nutrients or water)
artificial feeding through a tube
see also artificial insemination, artificial respiration
2
in biological classification
: based on differential morphological characters not necessarily indicative of natural relationships
an artificial key for identification of a group of organisms
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