chatbot

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/ˈtʃæt.bɒt/
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A software program that holds text-based conversations with users — ranging from simple scripted bots on websites to sophisticated AI systems capable of natural, open-ended dialogue.
Practice using chatbot in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • She used an AI chatbot to draft her cover letter.
  • They are improving their chatbots to understand natural language better.
  • The chatbot drew on a vast training dataset to answer her medical question.
  • She programmed a chatbot to answer questions about the event.
  • I asked the chatbot for help resetting my password.

Similar words

dialogue system
virtual agent
bot
large language model
AI assistant
virtual assistant
conversational AI
automated responder
generative AI
conversational agent

Meanings

A program that simulates conversation

noun
technology
neutral
A computer program designed to simulate conversation with human users, typically through text-based interfaces such as websites, messaging apps, or customer service platforms.

Examples

  • The company uses a chatbot to handle common customer inquiries.
  • I asked the chatbot for help resetting my password.
  • The website's chatbot responded instantly to my message.
  • She programmed a chatbot to answer questions about the event.
  • They are improving their chatbots to understand natural language better.

Similar words

bot
conversational agent
virtual assistant
automated responder
dialogue system

An AI-powered conversational assistant

noun
technology
neutral
An advanced chatbot that uses artificial intelligence, particularly large language models, to generate contextually relevant and natural-sounding responses in real time.

Examples

  • The new AI chatbot can hold multi-turn conversations and remember context.
  • Companies are deploying AI chatbots to replace first-line support staff.
  • She used an AI chatbot to draft her cover letter.
  • The chatbot drew on a vast training dataset to answer her medical question.
  • AI chatbots have raised questions about misinformation and academic dishonesty.

Similar words

AI assistant
large language model
conversational AI
generative AI
virtual agent

Etymology

A shortening of chatterbot, coined in 1994 by computer scientist Michael Mauldin to describe conversational software. Bot is itself short for robot (from Czech robota, 'forced labour', coined by Karel Čapek in 1920). The precursor technology traces to ELIZA (1966), created by Joseph Weizenbaum at MIT, which simulated a therapist by pattern-matching user input — though the word chatbot had not yet been coined. The term gained broad use with the rise of web-based customer service in the late 1990s and exploded in prominence with AI assistants from the 2020s onward.

FAQ

What is a chatbot?

A chatbot is a software program that simulates text-based conversation with users. It ranges from simple rule-based systems that match keywords to advanced AI systems powered by large language models that can hold natural, open-ended conversations.

What is the difference between a chatbot and an AI assistant?

All AI assistants are chatbots, but not all chatbots are AI assistants. A basic chatbot follows scripted rules. An AI assistant uses machine learning and natural language processing to understand context and generate flexible responses.

Who invented the word chatbot?

The term 'chatterbot' was coined by Michael Mauldin in 1994. The shortened form 'chatbot' followed. The underlying technology goes back to ELIZA (1966), a program by Joseph Weizenbaum at MIT that simulated a therapist.

Is chatbot one word or two?

Chatbot is one word, not 'chat bot' or 'chat-bot'. The closed compound is standard in dictionaries and industry usage.

What are chatbots used for?

Chatbots are used for customer service, answering FAQs, booking appointments, providing tech support, language learning, mental health support, and general information retrieval. AI chatbots are increasingly used for writing assistance, coding help, and research.

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