Chatbot
Also called chat bot.
A chatbot is software that communicates through conversation, from scripted replies to AI assistance and actions.
Example
A help widget answers “where is shipping?” from a script. A different chat uses a model to draftA draft is work that is not finalized yet. a reply. Both are chatbots. Only the second is generating the words.
Why it matters
Some chatbots follow a script. Others use a model to write a reply. A few can also take actions. The conversation format does not tell you which of those you are using.
Common confusion
Chatbot describes the conversation shape. It does not tell you whether the software can take actions or only talk.
Sources
Updated September 30, 2026.