copy

Fetched 2026-10-27 (live).

Datamuse reports no synonyms or antonyms for this word.

Noun

1. The result of copying; an identical or nearly identical duplicate of an original.
   • Please bring me at least 200 copies of this report. The photocopier is down the hall on the right.
   • His new book is out. I have a signed copy. He'll send you a copy if you want one. He's giving free copies to his former colleagues who want one. The press run is 3000 copies, and he hopes to sell more press runs after this one.
   • I already saw their draft. She emailed me a copy yesterday. I can forward it to you so that you have your own copy.
   • Every cell in this organism contains a copy of each gene, but whether that copy will be expressed depends on complex factors of cell differentiation and epigenetics.
2. The result of gene or chromosomal duplication.
   • Every cell in this organism contains a copy of each gene, but whether that copy will be expressed depends on complex factors of cell differentiation and epigenetics.
3. An imitation, sometimes of inferior quality.
   • That handbag is a copy. You can tell because the buckle is different.
4. The text (words, content) that is to be typeset or similarly prepared and published.
   • This organization doesn't publish any copy that hasn't been edited by a good copy editor.
   • ad copy; advertising copy
   • Submit all copy to the appropriate editor.
5. The output of copywriters, who are employed to write material which encourages consumers to buy goods or services.
   • ad copy; advertising copy
6. The text to be set into newspaper articles, magazine pages, or similar.
   • Submit all copy to the appropriate editor.
7. A person employed to carry copy and run errands.
8. A schoolwork pad or workbook.
   • Tim got in trouble for forgetting his maths copy.
9. A particular instance of a book: a single printed impression or digital file representing it.
   • Our town's public library has several copies of the Bible, in each of several editions.
   • Our town's public library has several copies of the second edition of Smith's textbook, but it doesn't yet have any copies of any newer edition.
10. A particular instance of an issue of a periodical (e.g., magazine, journal, bulletin): a single printed impression or digital file representing that issue; the issue.
    • Have you seen the latest copy of Newsweek yet?
11. Writing paper of a particular size: Synonym of bastard.
12. That which is to be imitated, transcribed, or reproduced; a pattern, model, or example.
    • His virtues are an excellent copy for imitation.
13. An abundance or plenty of anything.
14. copyhold; tenure; lease.

Verb

1. To produce an object identical to a given object.
   • Please copy these reports for me.
   • Don't copy that floppy!
2. To give or transmit a copy to (a person).
   • Make sure you copy me on that important memo.
   • All heads of departments have been copied.
3. To place a copy of an object in memory for later use.
   • First copy the files, and then paste them in another directory.
4. To imitate.
   • Don't copy my dance moves.
   • Mom, he's copying me!
5. To receive a transmission successfully.
   • Do you copy?

Interjection

1. Used to acknowledge that a message has been received and understood.

Source: Wiktionary · CC BY-SA 3.0 (Wiktionary) · cached copy, not a rewrite.