copy
noun
uk/ˈkɒpi/ us [ C ] COMMERCE
a single book, newspaper, CD, or other printed or recorded product, of which many have been produced:
The 600-page volume has become an instant hit, selling 250,000 copies since its publication in October.
a copy of sth Order your copy of her new album today!
The company is offering a free copy of their anti-virus software.
[ C ]
a document or other printed material that is exactly the same as another one, produced, for example, by using a photocopier or printing it more than once from a computer:
Enclosed is a signed copy of the contract.
make/take a copy I will need to take a copy of your passport.
[ C ] IT
a computer file, document, etc. that is created to be exactly the same as another one:
Before working on the file, make a copy and save it in another folder.
[ C ] COMMERCE
a product that is made to look the same as another product, especially illegally:
If you look closely at the label, you can tell it's a copy.
The factories were for making illegal copies of software, CDs, and DVDs.
Compare
bootleg
pirate
[ U ] MARKETING
the words used in advertising to help sell a product:
The advertising copy is tested with consumer surveys.
[ U ]
writing that is going to be printed in a book, magazine, etc.:
The copy will be checked several times before publication.
See also
advance copy
body copy
carbon copy
certified copy
hard copy
knocking copy
office copy
top copy
copy
verb [ T ]
uk/ˈkɒpi/ usto make a copy of a letter, document, etc.:
He was asked to copy the documents to keep on record.
copy sth to sb The report was copied to all the senior members of the department.
IT
to make a copy of a computer file, document, email, etc.:
Copy the files and put them in a new folder.
copy sth to sb Every email I send out, I also copy to my boss.
copy and paste
IT
to make a copy of something on a computer screen and put it in a different place in a document or in a new document, file, or directory:
Copy and paste the text from the box into a word processor document.
to use someone else's idea, design, etc., often illegally:
It is a system that works well and that others can copy.
Phrasal verb
copy sb in