ˈduːplɪkət 
British ˈdjuːplɪkət
always used before a noun
: exactly the same as something else
I began receiving duplicate copies of the magazine every month.
: made as an exact copy of something else
I had a duplicate key made.
ˈduːplɪˌkeɪt
British ˈdjuːplɪˌkeɪt
duplicates; duplicated; duplicating
1
: to make an exact copy of (something)
She duplicated the video to give to family and friends.
Unfortunately, the results of the first study could not be duplicated.
2
: to produce (something) in another form
They tried to duplicate [=repeat] last year's performance.
If we both do the project, we'll just be duplicating the work. [=doing the same work twice; doing more work than we need to]
ˈduːplɪkət
British ˈdjuːplɪkət
plural duplicates
: something that is exactly the same as something else : an exact copy of something else
In case you lose your keys, keep a set of duplicates somewhere safe.
—often + ofHe made duplicates of the forms before mailing them.
an exact duplicate of the original
Cite this Entry
“Duplicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/duplicate. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.
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