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

• alter ego
• carbon
• carbon copy
• clone
• counterpart
• doppelgänger
• doppelganger
• double
• duplicate
• facsimile
• fetch
• image
• likeness
• look-alike
• match
• mirror image
• picture
• replica
• ringer
• spit
• spitting image
• twin

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

Moreover, the duplication of effort, confused lines of authority and gross overstaffing found in Washington is repeated in every one of our overseas posts. —Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025

Improve operating efficiency using AI by having real time access to your company’s knowledge base in order to reduce costs and duplication. —Barry Libert, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025

That may be a duplication with 2024 second-round pick Cole Bishop, though that can only be answered by the internal opinions. —Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025

By reducing the time that officers spend on paperwork, streamlining workflows and reducing duplication, agencies can save up to half of an officer's shift every day. —Matthew Polega, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025

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