duplication

noun

du·​pli·​ca·​tion ˌdü-pli-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce duplication (audio)
also ˌdyü-
Synonyms of duplicationnext
1
a
: the act or process of duplicating
b
: the quality or state of being duplicated
2
3
: a part of a chromosome in which the genetic material is repeated
also : the process of forming a duplication

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
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.
Then identify areas that will improve efficiency, like identifying waste, duplication and inefficiencies, freeze or limit hiring and consolidate departments. David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026 That means auditing federal programs, cutting waste and duplication and tying funding to real, measurable results. Mercury News & East Bay Times Editorial Boards, Mercury News, 7 May 2026 That approach reduces duplication and speeds up data analysis and mission planning. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 7 May 2026 Today, many services are effectively organized around ward boundaries, which can lead to duplication, uneven performance and inconsistent access. Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for duplication

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of duplication was in the 15th century

Cite this Entry

“Duplication.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/duplication. Accessed 14 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

duplication

noun
du·​pli·​ca·​tion ˌd(y)ü-pli-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce duplication (audio)
1
a
: an act or process of duplicating
b
: the state of being duplicated
2

Medical Definition

duplication

noun
du·​pli·​ca·​tion ˌd(y)ü-pli-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce duplication (audio)
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- How to pronounce duplication (audio)
: the act, process, or result of duplicating

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