carbon copy

noun

Synonyms of carbon copynext
1
: a copy made by carbon paper
2
: duplicate
is a carbon copy of his father

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
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.
But the field itself will not be a carbon copy of where these Class A players hope to eventually play. Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 16 Mar. 2026 Opposite Friends Song Friends don’t have to be carbon copies of each other—or do all the things the other one does in exactly the same way. Kara Nesvig, Parents, 13 Mar. 2026 Below, explore five options that are practically carbon copies of her signature scent, including an Amazon option that's just over $20. Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 23 Feb. 2026 Speaking to Collider earlier last year, Frost praised Coltrane’s Hagrid performance and told fans not to expect a carbon copy. Zack Sharf, Variety, 29 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for carbon copy

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of carbon copy was in 1876

Cite this Entry

“Carbon copy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carbon%20copy. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

carbon copy

noun
1
: a copy made with carbon paper
2

More from Merriam-Webster on carbon copy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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