/ ˌɪmɪˈteɪʃn; NAmE / noun
1.
[ C ] a copy of sth, especially sth expensive :
a poor / cheap imitation of the real thing
This latest production is a pale imitation of the original (= it is not nearly as good) .
imitation leather / pearls
➡ note at artificial
2.
[ U ] the act of copying sb/sth :
A child learns to talk by imitation.
Many corporate methods have been adopted by American managers in imitation of Japanese practice.
3.
[ C ] an act of copying the way sb talks and behaves, especially to make people laugh
SYN impersonation , impression :
He does an imitation of Tony Blair.
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Latin imitatio(n-) , from the verb imitari ; related to imago image.