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noun

copycat

kah-pee-KAT

Copycat (noun) means a person who imitates someone else, often in an unoriginal or shameless way. Example: “Her little brother is such a copycat, he wants everything she has.”

noun
1
A person who imitates someone else, often in an unoriginal or shameless way.
"Her little brother is such a copycat, he wants everything she has."
2
A criminal who copies a method used in a recent, often high-profile, crime.
"Police warned of copycat attacks after the incident made headlines."
adj
1
Imitative; done in direct imitation of something else.
"The market was flooded with copycat products."

How to use copycat

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone (or something) that imitates another, often in a lazy or derivative way.

Common pairings
copycat crime copycat killer copycat product

Word forms

more copycat comparative, copycatted past tense, copycats plural, copycats singular, most copycat superlative

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Her little brother is such a _____, he wants everything she has.

Etymology

American in origin, from copy plus cat, an old derogatory term for a person.

Related words

Frequently asked questions

What does “copycat” mean?

The word “copycat” means a person who imitates someone else, often in an unoriginal or shameless way. In plain terms, someone (or something) that imitates another, often in a lazy or derivative way.

How do you pronounce “copycat”?

“Copycat” is pronounced kah-pee-KAT (/kɑpiˈkæt/ in IPA).

How do you use “copycat” in a sentence?

Here is “copycat” used in a sentence: “Her little brother is such a copycat, he wants everything she has.”

What part of speech is “copycat”?

Depending on how it is used, “copycat” can be a noun and an adjective.

How many meanings does “copycat” have?

“Copycat” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person who imitates someone else, often in an unoriginal or shameless way.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial