Phrase guide

deep copy

noun · verb · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

noun

Meaning 1

A copy of a data structure duplicating not only the structure itself, but all structures to which it is linked.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: computing, engineering, mathematics, natural-sciences, physical-sciences, sciences

Examples

  • Don't try to make a deep copy of that: you'll pull in half the database.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To make a deep copy of.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Examples

  • I'd prefer to deep copy that in order to avoid complications with updates.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To make a deep copy.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: intransitive

Examples

  • This is a situation where you either have to deep copy or handle the complication of updates.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.