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

Rhyse Martin's excellent kick from the touchline gave the hosts the lead they craved, and after Burgess' third try of the night, a carbon copy of his second, it looked like the win was secure.

From BBC • Feb. 14, 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

The series could run the risk of turning off book readers who want a carbon copy of the story as Liu wrote it.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 21, 2024

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

From Salon • Dec. 4, 2023

Alex slid the window open and hoisted himself into the second office, which was in many ways a carbon copy of the first.

From "Stormbreaker" by Anthony Horowitz

Related Words

• mirror image