English Reference

Word

cloning

US/ˈkɫoʊnɪŋ/

UK/klˈəʊnɪŋ/

Definition

n. the process of making an exact copy of a living thing, like a plant or an animal. Scientists do this by using the original creature's DNA.

n. the process of producing genetically identical individuals of an organism either naturally or artificially. In a laboratory context, it involves replicating biological material such as DNA fragments, cells, or whole organisms.

Examples

“Scientists are studying the cloning of endangered species.”

“The ethical debate surrounding human cloning has led many countries to pass strict laws against the practice.”

“While therapeutic cloning aims to create stem cells for medical treatment, reproductive cloning remains a highly controversial subject due to its profound social and biological implications.”

Examples

simple

“Scientists are studying the cloning of endangered species.”

contextual

“The ethical debate surrounding human cloning has led many countries to pass strict laws against the practice.”

complex

“While therapeutic cloning aims to create stem cells for medical treatment, reproductive cloning remains a highly controversial subject due to its profound social and biological implications.”

Usage

Often functions as a gerund; when used in a technical sense, it typically does not take a plural form.

Real-World Examples

“Cloning a voice now takes a few seconds of audio and cheap consumer tools.”
The Conversation · 14 Sept 2026

Domain

Biology

This entry

Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency
Frequent
Updated

Scan code

englishreference.com/q/cloning

English Reference