Definition of android

Short definition: The word android usually means a smartphone system made by Google, but it can also describe a robot that looks or acts like a human, so people use it in both tech talk and science fiction stories.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the word Android? The word Android is most often used to talk about a mobile operating system, but it can also refer more generally to technology, devices, and even robots. In everyday life, people usually connect Android with smartphones, apps, and the digital tools they use every day. Below, each meaning is explained in a simple and human way, so it feels easy to understand whether you are into tech or not.

Forms: Android, androids
Related: smartphone n., operating system n., robot n.
Syllable: An-droid

1. A mobile operating system used on smartphones and tablets.

   Android is a popular operating system that runs on many smartphones and tablets. It is created by Google and allows people to use apps, browse the internet, play games, and manage daily tasks on their devices. Many brands choose Android because it is flexible and works on different types of hardware.

   She uses an Android phone for work and study.
   The app is available on both iOS and Android.
   He updated his Android system last night.

   Synonyms: mobile OS, smartphone system, Google OS, phone platform, tablet system, smart device software, mobile platform, open-source OS, digital operating system, device software, mobile interface, smart system
   Antonyms: iOS, desktop OS, Windows system, macOS, offline system, non-smart device software, basic phone system, feature-phone OS, non-digital platform, analog system, manual system, paper-based tools

2. A smartphone or device that uses the Android system.

   In everyday talk, people often say Android to mean an Android phone. When someone says they use Android, they usually mean their phone runs on the Android system. This meaning focuses more on the device than on the software inside it.

   He just bought a new Android.
   My old Android still works fine.
   She prefers Android over other phones.

   Synonyms: Android phone, smart device, mobile phone, smartphone, digital handset, touch-screen phone, Google phone, mobile gadget, smart gadget, portable device, handheld tech, personal device
   Antonyms: feature phone, landline, desktop computer, non-smart phone, basic handset, analog phone, wired phone, offline device, paper planner, manual tool, classic phone, old-style phone

3. A system known for being flexible and customizable.

   Android is often described as a flexible platform. Users can change themes, install different launchers, and adjust settings more freely. This meaning highlights freedom and personal choice in technology.

   He loves Android because he can customize everything.
   Android gives users more control.
   Custom apps run well on Android.

   Synonyms: flexible platform, customizable system, open environment, user-controlled software, adaptable OS, freedom-based system, mod-friendly platform, adjustable interface, user-choice system, tweakable software, open-source style, personalization-friendly OS
   Antonyms: locked system, restricted platform, closed software, limited interface, fixed design, controlled environment, no-custom system, rigid platform, non-flexible OS, strict software, closed-source system, limited-choice platform

4. A robot that looks and acts like a human.

   Outside technology talk, an android can mean a robot designed to look or behave like a human. This meaning is often used in science fiction, movies, and books. It shows how people imagine the future of machines.

   The movie features a lifelike android.
   In the story, the android helps humans.
   Science fiction often shows advanced androids.

   Synonyms: humanoid robot, human-like machine, artificial human, robotic figure, mechanical person, sci-fi robot, synthetic human, lifelike robot, future machine, smart robot, automated being, artificial being
   Antonyms: real human, natural person, living being, biological human, animal, organic life form, natural body, human child, real person, living soul, flesh-and-blood being, natural creature

5. A word that represents modern digital life.

   Today, Android often stands for the digital lifestyle. It connects people with work, entertainment, and communication. In this sense, Android is more than software, it becomes part of everyday living.

   Her Android helps manage her daily routine.
   Life feels easier with an Android device.
   Many rely on Android for both work and fun.

   Synonyms: digital lifestyle tool, modern tech symbol, everyday technology, smart-life system, connected-life platform, mobile lifestyle aid, daily digital helper, tech companion, modern device symbol, digital-age tool, smart living system, connected world tool
   Antonyms: offline lifestyle, paper-based life, analog living, non-digital routine, manual system, old-fashioned tools, pre-digital life, disconnected lifestyle, tech-free living, traditional routine, low-tech way, non-connected world