duplication

noun

du·​pli·​ca·​tion ˌdü-pli-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce duplication (audio)
also ˌdyü-
Synonyms of duplicationnext
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 of duplication

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This has saved us a lot of duplication of services over the years, which means saving a lot of money and repeat tests, never mind pain and suffering. — Inga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 2026 And the researchers used the fossil record to anchor when different plants first evolved to determine when each duplication event happened. — Ari Daniel, NPR, 19 May 2026 There is always room in government to cut waste, reduce duplication, and operate more effectively. — Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 20 May 2026 A lot of eukaryotic genes are also close relatives of one another, brought about by multiple duplications of an ancestral gene. — ArsTechnica, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for duplication

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of duplication was in the 15th century

Rhymes for duplication

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Browse Nearby Words

duplicating machine
duplication
duplication of the cube
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Duplication.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/duplication. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

duplication

noun
du·​pli·​ca·​tion ˌd(y)ü-pli-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce duplication (audio)
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 How to pronounce duplication (audio)
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- How to pronounce duplication (audio)
: the act, process, or result of duplicating

More from Merriam-Webster on duplication

Nglish: Translation of duplication for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about duplication

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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