carbon copy

American  

noun

1. 1. a duplicate of anything written or typed, made by using a photocopier or, formerly, by using carbon paper. cc

   2. a copy of an email or other electronic document that is sent to one or more people in addition to the primary addressee. cc

2. a near or exact duplicate of a given person or thing; replica.

   She's a carbon copy of her mother.

---

carbon copy British  

noun

1. Often shortened to: carbon.  a duplicate copy of writing, typewriting, or drawing obtained by using carbon paper

2. informal a person or thing that is identical or very similar to another

---

carbon copy Idioms  

1. A person or thing that closely resembles another, as in Our grandson is a carbon copy of his dad. Originally this term meant a copy of a document made by using carbon paper. The linguistic transfer to other kinds of duplicate survived the demise of carbon paper (replaced by photocopiers, computer printers, and other more sophisticated devices). [c. 1870]

---

Etymology

Origin of carbon copy

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

That’s not to say he’s a carbon copy of the Chiefs star.

From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2025

It’s an offense that Grubb reiterated Monday may not be a carbon copy of UW’s pass-heavy attack the past two seasons, instead tweaked to emphasize the Seahawks’ personnel.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 3, 2024

They could be found in other common products including carbon copy paper, caulking and paint.

From BBC • Dec. 19, 2023

It will be its own unique and largely unprecedented venture, not a carbon copy.

From Salon • Dec. 4, 2023

“Yeah. Just look at Maddy. She’s turned into a carbon copy of Sweet Stephanie, and it’s enough to make me puke. She’s a carbon cupcake.”

From "A Place at the Table" by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan

Related Words

• mirror image