The word 'robot' is a loan word from Czech 'robota'

'Robot' is a word borrowed from Czech 'robota'. The word entered the English language some time around 1922.

robot [noun] [1922]

• a machine that looks like a human being and performs various complex acts (as walking or talking) of a human being
• a similar but fictional machine whose lack of capacity for human emotions is often emphasized
• an efficient insensitive person who functions automatically
• a device that automatically performs complicated often repetitive tasks

See 'robot' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from Czech.

Etymology: Czech, from 'robota' compulsory labor; akin to Old High German 'arabeit' trouble, Latin 'orbus' orphaned

See more loan words from 1920s.