English Reference
noun

replica

n.
US /ˈɹɛpɫɪkə/ UK /ɹˈɛplɪkɐ/ repli·ca UK spelling replicas

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    an exact copy of an object, often made to look just like the original.

    a precise reproduction of an original work of art, historical artefact, or mechanical object.

    Simple

    The museum sells a small replica of the ancient statue in the gift shop.

    In context

    The historical society commissioned a full-scale replica of the 18th-century ship to serve as a floating educational museum for local students.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    a copy of something that is much smaller than the real thing.

    a reproduction of an object made at a different scale, typically smaller than the original.

    Simple

    He has a collection of metal replicas of classic racing cars on his shelf.

    In context

    The architect presented a detailed replica of the proposed stadium to the city council to illustrate how the structure would fit into the skyline.

A limited-edition replica of those original tops, priced at €180, sold out in less than two hours.

The Guardian· 31 Aug 2026

Their replica shirts cost £55, but Spirit have already exhausted the supply they had earmarked for both 2026 and 2027.

BBC News· 16 Aug 2026

Borrowed from Italian replica, derived from Latin replicare (“to fold or bend back; to reply”). Doublet of reply and replicate.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin replico
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated