duplication

noun

du·​pli·​ca·​tion ˌdü-pli-ˈkā-shən 

also ˌdyü-

1

a

: the act or process of duplicating

b

: the quality or state of being duplicated

2

: duplicate, counterpart

3

: a part of a chromosome in which the genetic material is repeated

also : the process of forming a duplication

Synonyms of duplication

• image
• twin
• duplicate
• replica
• clone
• picture
• portrait

Examples of duplication in a Sentence

He sent the manuscript out for duplication.

Please eliminate duplication when combining the lists.

Recent Examples on the Web

Instead, designers aim for cohesion without duplication. —Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 15 Feb. 2026

Last year, lawmakers directed the higher education commission to eliminate or merge degree programs with low enrollment or duplication. —Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026

All three higher education systems agree that deciding what constitutes duplication is at the heart of their disagreement, Evans said. —Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026

The largest cost of sorting the duplication out would be the human cost, Williams said. —Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 9 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for duplication

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

duplication

noun

du·​pli·​ca·​tion ˌd(y)ü-pli-ˈkā-shən 

1

a

: an act or process of duplicating

b

: the state of being duplicated

2

: duplicate entry 3

Medical Definition

duplication

noun

du·​pli·​ca·​tion ˌd(y)ü-pli-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the act or process of duplicating : the quality or state of being duplicated

2

: a part of a chromosome in which the genetic material is repeated

also : the process of forming a duplication

Legal Definition

duplication

noun

du·​pli·​ca·​tion ˌdü-pli-ˈkā-shən, ˌdyü- 

: the act, process, or result of duplicating