duplication

noun

du·​pli·​ca·​tion ˌdü-pli-ˈkā-shən 

 also  ˌdyü-

1

a

: the act or process of duplicating

b

: the quality or state of being duplicated

2

: duplicate, counterpart

3

: a part of a chromosome in which the genetic material is repeated

also : the process of forming a duplication

Synonyms

• alter ego
• carbon
• carbon copy
• clone
• counterpart
• doppelgänger
• doppelganger
• double
• duplicate
• facsimile
• fetch
• image
• likeness
• look-alike
• match
• mirror image
• picture
• replica
• ringer
• spit
• spitting image
• twin

Examples of duplication in a Sentence

He sent the manuscript out for duplication.

Please eliminate duplication when combining the lists.

Recent Examples on the Web

By reducing the time that officers spend on paperwork, streamlining workflows and reducing duplication, agencies can save up to half of an officer's shift every day. —Matthew Polega, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025

If the Bills see him that way, too, there would be too much duplication of skills with Shakir. —Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025

Now there are perhaps 1,000 cultivars in existence, although sloppy recordkeeping and naming practices may have resulted in many duplications. —Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Apr. 2025

How to Optimize the Hybrid Approach: • Clearly define roles between internal and external teams to prevent duplication. —Maria Alonso, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for duplication

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

duplication

noun

du·​pli·​ca·​tion ˌd(y)ü-pli-ˈkā-shən 

1

a

: an act or process of duplicating

b

: the state of being duplicated

2

: duplicate entry 3

Medical Definition

duplication

noun

du·​pli·​ca·​tion ˌd(y)ü-pli-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the act or process of duplicating : the quality or state of being duplicated

2

: a part of a chromosome in which the genetic material is repeated

also : the process of forming a duplication

Legal Definition

duplication

noun

du·​pli·​ca·​tion ˌdü-pli-ˈkā-shən, ˌdyü- 

: the act, process, or result of duplicating