echolalia

noun

echo·​la·​lia ˌe-kō-ˈlā-lē-ə How to pronounce echolalia (audio)
: the often pathological repetition of what is said by other people as if echoing them
echolalic
ˌe-kō-ˈla-lik How to pronounce echolalia (audio)
adjective

Examples of echolalia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The repetition of speech is called echolalia and is a common sign of autism. — Washington Post, 30 Apr. 2022 Given history’s penchant for echolalia, the Canadians seemed to have a big hill to climb. — Levi Weaver, New York Times, 12 Mar. 2026 Certainly, there are striking similarities, from the obsessive routines, to the echolalia (repeating what other people say), to the avoidance of eye contact, all classic symptoms of severe autism. — Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 18 Nov. 2010 For example, some parents may wonder if these behaviors are related to things like stimming (repetitive movement or sounds), echolalia (meaningless repetition of words), or self-regulation behaviors. — ​wendy Wisner, Parents, 8 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

circa 1885, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of echolalia was circa 1885

Rhymes for echolalia

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Browse Nearby Words

echokinesia
echolalia
echoless
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Cite this Entry

“Echolalia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/echolalia. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

echolalia

noun
echo·​la·​lia ˌek-ō-ˈlā-lē-ə How to pronounce echolalia (audio)
: the often pathological repetition of what is said by other people as if echoing them
echolalic
-ˈlal-ik How to pronounce echolalia (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on echolalia

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about echolalia

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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