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

Her son is a carbon copy of his dad — looks like him and acts like him, particularly with his funny comments, comebacks and retorts. — Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 27 Sep. 2026

Their resemblance is uncanny; near carbon copies, some thirty years apart. — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2026

Their combination to put Arsenal ahead was almost a carbon copy of the Arsenal captain’s goal against Manchester City in the Community Shield last month. — Jack Lang, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026

Humidity remains low for Tuesday, an almost carbon copy of Monday's forecast. — Rachael Jay, CBS News, 20 Aug. 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