# copycat

/ˈkɑpiˌkæt/ (US) · /kˈɒpɪkˌæt/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/copycat
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

someone who copies the actions of another person, often in a way that is annoying or dangerous. It can also describe a person who tries to be like someone famous or powerful.

For teachers: a person who imitates the actions or appearance of another, often in a manner perceived as inferior or unoriginal. In a legal or social context, it refers to an individual who replicates the behavior of a previous perpetrator, typically in a criminal or violent act.

## Examples

- He is a total copycat who always wears the same clothes as his friends.
- The police are investigating a copycat who seems to be following the same pattern as the original thief.
- The rise of social media has made it easier for a copycat to mimic the public persona of a celebrity, often leading to a dilution of the original brand's identity.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.