copycat

[kop-ee-kat]

noun

1. a person or thing that copies, imitates, mimics, or follows the lead of another, as a child who says or does exactly the same as another child.

adjective

1. imitating or repeating a recent, well-known occurrence.

   a copycat murder.

verb (used with object)

copycatted, copycatting 

1. to imitate or mimic.

   new domestic wines that copycat the expensive imports.

2. to copy slavishly; reproduce.

   The clothes were copycatted straight from designer originals.

copycat

/ ˈkɒpɪˌkæt /

noun

1. informal

   1. a person, esp a child, who imitates or copies another

   2. ( as modifier )

      copycat murders

Other Word Forms

• copycatism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of copycat¹

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900; copy + cat ( def. )

Example Sentences

He expressed a desire to carry out his own copycat killings, and had a stash of deadly weapons, he added.

From BBC

US officials have warned for years that mass shooting can lead to copycat killings, as killers seek to become famous through their heinous crimes.

From BBC

“This lack of identification is unacceptable. It creates an environment ripe for abuse and impersonation, enabling copycat vigilantes to pose as federal agents,” Rodriguez wrote.

From Los Angeles Times

It has previously sued copycat restaurants in Utah, Mexico and Australia for trademark infringement.

From Los Angeles Times

Remember Monday didn't come with a copycat Eurodance hit, or an insipid ballad.

From BBC