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

Few people have ever seen it, and while copycat recipes and alleged leaks from disgruntled employees abound, the company says only those who have seen the list really know how to make Cane’s Sauce.

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These alternatives are unlikely to disappear, but falling prices for the branded drugs will make copycats less appealing to consumers hunting for savings.

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But with bitcoin and ether prices now tumbling, so are shares in Strategy and its copycats.

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The drug was previously AbbVie’s top seller but now faces competition from cheaper copycats.

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Hamburger Helper copycat recipes suggesting fresh ingredients are plentiful – some simple, others complex.

Read more on Salon