carbon copy

noun

1

: a copy made by carbon paper

2

: duplicate

is a carbon copy of his father

Synonyms of carbon copy

• image
• twin
• replica
• picture
• clone
• portrait
• mirror image
• duplicate
• alter ego

Examples of carbon copy in a Sentence

I'll need a carbon copy of that receipt.

She's a carbon copy of her mother.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Western locker room was a carbon copy of the IU locker room, even down to the signs. — Cj Moore, New York Times, 1 July 2026

Princess Charlotte is a near carbon copy of her dad, Prince William, in new birthday portrait. — Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 2 May 2026

The buildup was different, but the 62nd-minute finish was a carbon copy of Navarro’s. — Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2026

Of course, these three chipmakers aren't carbon copies of each other — for example, Intel has a fledgling third-party manufacturing business that's excited investors. — Zev Fima, CNBC, 1 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for carbon copy

• photocopy
• atopy
• choppy
• floppy
• poppy
• sloppy

Kids Definition

carbon copy

noun

1

: a copy made with carbon paper

2

: duplicate entry 2