copycat

1 of 2

noun

copy·​cat ˈkä-pē-ˌkat How to pronounce copycat (audio)
Synonyms of copycatnext
often attributive
1
: one who imitates or adopts the behavior or practices of another
2
: an imitative act or product
copycat board games

copycat

2 of 2

verb

copycatted; copycatting

intransitive verb

: to act as a copycat

Examples of copycat in a Sentence

Noun She called me a copycat for wearing the same dress. every rock singer who makes it big soon has a whole cluster of copycats Verb asked her stylist to copycat a hairstyle from the magazine a performer who slavishly copycats another never rises to the level of true stardom
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.
Noun
As K-pop spurs franchises, copycat spinoffs and big studio blockbusters, the system that propelled K-culture’s rise could stumble if its authenticity starts to waver. Dan Bilefsky, HollywoodReporter, 21 Mar. 2026 Another source of danger, Jacobson said, comes from copycat attacks. Joseph Strauss, Sun Sentinel, 16 Mar. 2026
Verb
Besides being the perfect Hallmark movie marathon snack, this flavor adds a holiday spin to copycat milkshakes and alongside favorite desserts. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 24 Nov. 2025 But factors including insurance coverage, pricing, copycat drugs and the development of new pills will ultimately determine how far the treatments will reach. Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 2 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for copycat

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1896, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1926, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of copycat was in 1896

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Copycat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/copycat. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

copycat

noun
copy·​cat
ˈkäp-ē-ˌkat
: one who imitates or adopts the behavior or practices of another
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