clone
klohn
Clone (noun) means a living thing produced from a single ancestor so that it is genetically identical to it. Example: “Scientists created the first cloned mammal, a sheep named Dolly, in 1996.”
noun
1
A living thing produced from a single ancestor so that it is genetically identical to it.
"Scientists created the first cloned mammal, a sheep named Dolly, in 1996."
"The lab grows plant clones from a single healthy cutting."
"Each clone of the potato plant carries exactly the same genes as its parent."
2
A copy or knockoff made to closely imitate something else, or a person who looks or acts almost exactly like someone else.
"The budget phone was basically a clone of last year's flagship model."
"Critics called the film a cheap clone of a much better original."
"He felt like a clone of his father, with the same jokes and habits."
verb
1
To produce an exact genetic (or close functional) copy of something.
"Researchers successfully cloned the endangered species in a bid to save it from extinction."
"Gardeners can clone a rose by growing a new plant from a cutting."
"In the story, scientists clone a prehistoric animal from old cells."
How to use clone
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn exact copy of a living thing, or more loosely, any close copy or imitation.
Common pairings
clone an animal
a clone of
human cloning
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Word forms
- Plural
- clones
- Third person singular
- clones
- Past tense
- cloned
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Scientists created the first _____ mammal, a sheep named Dolly, in 1996.
Etymology
Coined in 1903 from Greek klōn, "twig" — the idea being a new plant grown from a cutting. The figurative sense (a copy of a person or thing) only caught on in the 1970s.
Class of 1903
clone joined the language around 1903.
See the full Class of 1903 →
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for clone
See all rhymes for clone →Frequently asked questions
What does “clone” mean?
The word “clone” means a living thing produced from a single ancestor so that it is genetically identical to it. In plain terms, an exact copy of a living thing, or more loosely, any close copy or imitation.
How do you pronounce “clone”?
“Clone” is pronounced klohn (/kloʊn/ in IPA).
How do you use “clone” in a sentence?
Here is “clone” used in a sentence: “Scientists created the first cloned mammal, a sheep named Dolly, in 1996.”
What part of speech is “clone”?
Depending on how it is used, “clone” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “clone” come from?
The word “clone” dates back to around 1903 and comes from Greek. Coined in 1903 from Greek klōn, "twig" — the idea being a new plant grown from a cutting. The figurative sense (a copy of a person or thing) only caught on in the 1970s.
Is “clone” a common word?
“Clone” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “clone” have?
“Clone” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a living thing produced from a single ancestor so that it is genetically identical to it.
What is the difference between a clone and a twin?
A clone is a living thing produced from a single ancestor so that it is genetically identical to it, created through a deliberate biological or laboratory process. Identical twins, by contrast, form naturally when a single fertilized egg splits into two, so while they share the same genetic origin, they are not described as clones of each other in the technical sense.
Can 'clone' be used as a verb for non-biological things, like software?
Yes, clone is commonly used as a verb outside biology to mean producing an exact or close functional copy of something, such as cloning a hard drive, a website, or a piece of software. This extends the core meaning of making an identical copy beyond living organisms.
What is the difference between a clone and a knockoff?
A clone is made to closely imitate something else, often replicating its function or appearance almost exactly, while the term knockoff usually implies a cheaper, inferior imitation made without authorization. Both describe copies, but 'clone' can be used more neutrally, including for genetic copies, while 'knockoff' carries a stronger negative connotation.
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