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

“This reads as almost a carbon copy of that order,” Nelson said.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 1, 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

Jennifer filled out the form for one roll of birthday wrap and handed Mrs. Cantrell the carbon copy.

From "It All Comes Down to This" by Karen English

Related Words

• mirror image