Word
photocopy
Phoneticspho·to·copy
US/ˈfoʊtoʊˌkɑpi/
UK/fˈəʊtəkˌɒpi/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a copy of a document or picture made using a machine that uses light and paper. You often use this to share information with others.
n. a reproduction of a document or image produced by a photocopier. Often used to refer to the physical copy rather than the process of copying.
Examples
“I need to make a photocopy of my ID.”
“The teacher asked the students to bring a photocopy of their notes for the group presentation.”
“While digital scans have largely replaced physical copies, many legal offices still require a signed photocopy of the original contract for their official records.”
Examples
simple
“I need to make a photocopy of my ID.”
contextual
“The teacher asked the students to bring a photocopy of their notes for the group presentation.”
complex
“While digital scans have largely replaced physical copies, many legal offices still require a signed photocopy of the original contract for their official records.”
Etymology
From photo- + copy.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/photocopy