Definition of copy
copies
1 : an imitation, transcript, or reproduction of an original work (such as a letter, a painting, a table, or a dress)
2 : one of a series of especially mechanical reproductions of an original impression; also : an individual example of such a reproduction
3 archaic : something to be imitated : model
4a : matter to be set especially for printingb : something considered printable or newsworthy —used without an article remarks that make good copy — Norman Cousinsc : text especially of an advertisement
5 : duplicate 1a a copy of a computer file a copy of a gene
From the M-W Editors
Examples of copy in a Sentence
The novel has sold more than a million copies.
She got a job writing advertising copy.
All copy must be submitted by 5 p.m.
Recent Examples of copy from the Web
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To use it as a gene drive, all that is required is to include in the payload the genes for the CRISPR-Cas9 system itself, and to ensure that some copies get inserted into an organism’s germ cells—those that develop into sperm or eggs.
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The initiative has seen large, framed copies of works by Vincent van Gogh, Monet, Georgia O’Keeffe and many more artists grace neighborhoods throughout Philadelphia.
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The seven-page letter, a copy of which was seen by reporters Thursday, aims to convince lawmakers to extend Duterte’s 60-day declaration of martial law in the south until the end of the year.
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This copy was the published, official one — hardcover, blurbed; complete.
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The city does not receive copies of receipts or another proof of purchase.
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A full copy of the plan is available on the Corps’ website.
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The team then wanted to understand how these single-copy genes went from performing ordinary, nonvenom functions to acting as toxins.
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A copy of the report was obtained by The Associated Press shortly after it was distributed to employees.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'copy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of copy
Middle English copie, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin copia, from Latin, abundance — more at copious
Synonym Discussion of copy
copy
Definition of copy
copied
;copying
transitive verb
1 : to make a copy or duplicate of copy a document copy a computer file
2 : to model oneself on
intransitive verb
1 : to make a copy
2 : to undergo copying the map did not copy well
Examples of copy in a Sentence
She copied the design on a piece of paper.
Copy the file to your hard drive.
The bills are designed to prevent copying by counterfeiters.
We caught him copying the answers out of the book.
We caught him copying out of the book.
The speech was copied word for word.
His music was copied widely.
Their competitors soon copied the idea.
Recent Examples of copy from the Web
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Centuries ago medieval monks typically used iron gall ink to copy texts onto parchments made from sheepskin or cowhide.
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Most cruise companies tend to design one model and build a single ship that represents their brand, copy it as many times as financially feasible, then send the copies to cruise from various ports around the world.
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According to the lawsuit, Trump's company, which has been operating since 2010, stopped selling another shoe after Aquazzura complained that one of its shoes had been copied.
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Further, liberal state governments try to learn from and copy other liberal states’ successful policies, which spreads policies across states.
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The sheriff’s office posted about 50 tweets over three days, copying the idea from a campaign done by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
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Executives recoiled at the suggestion by some that studios should pay off hackers who hold movies for ransom, saying that will just encourage more criminals to copy the tactic and use bluffing strategies.
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The key to Scuttlebutt’s operation is a simple approach to copying information between computer systems—a tricky problem due to ever-changing files across many systems.
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The data and photos do not belong solely to individuals in the end, as Tencent maintains the rights to copy, use, and forward whatever is shared on the platform.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'copy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of copy
14th century
Synonym Discussion of copy
COPY Defined for English Language Learners
copy
playDefinition of copy for English Language Learners
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: something that is or looks exactly or almost exactly like something else : a version of something that is identical or almost identical to the original
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: one of the many books, magazines, albums, DVDs, etc., that are exactly the same and are produced to be sold or given to the public
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: written information that is to be published in a newspaper, magazine, etc.
copy
Definition of copy for English Language Learners
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: to make a version of (something) that is exactly or almost exactly like the original : to make a copy or duplicate of (something)
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: to write (something) down exactly as it appears somewhere else
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: to use (someone else's words or ideas) as your own
COPY Defined for Kids
Definition of copy for Students
copies
1 : something that is made to look exactly like something else : duplicate a copy of a letter a copy of a painting
2 : one of the total number of books, magazines, or papers printed at one time She owns a copy of a popular atlas.
3 : written material to be published
Learn More about copy
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See words that rhyme with copy Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for copy Spanish Central: Translation of copy Nglish: Translation of copy for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of copy for Arabic speakers
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