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.

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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

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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]

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Etymology

Origin of carbon copy

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

Many analysts I spoke to said John Ternus is a Cook carbon copy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 26, 2026

It was almost a carbon copy of Torres' first goal for Liverpool, against Chelsea in 2007.

From BBC • Jan. 31, 2026

Crisp’s team built a carbon copy of the original satellite, and it was launched successfully on July 2, 2014.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 19, 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

Normally, in important tournaments, a score sheet is backed up with a carbon copy, the original going to the tournament organizers or referee for safekeeping should there be a subsequent dispute of any kind.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

Related Words

• mirror image