What does "clone" mean?
A living organism (originally a plant) produced asexually from a single ancestor, to which it is genetically identical.
Clone
/kloʊn/ noun, verb, slang
noun, verb, slang ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A living organism (originally a plant) produced asexually from a single ancestor, to which it is genetically identical.
- Grammar: clone is listed as noun, verb, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: chip off the old block, clon, computer based replication, copy.
- Useful contrasts: alter, change, destroy.
- Usage evidence: Living in a colony on Titan, Tomas' grandson was a clone of his son, who was a clone of himself, Tomas. They were three generations of clones.
How to use "clone"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "clone" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "clone" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "clone" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "clone" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "clone" is acting as noun, verb, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "chip off the old block" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "clone", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A living organism (originally a plant) produced asexually from a single ancestor, to which it is genetically identical.
"This new species is a clone of the mimosa plant."
- 2 an unauthorized copy or imitation wordnet
- 3 A group of identical cells derived from a single cell.
- 4 a group of genetically identical cells or organisms derived from a single cell or individual by some kind of asexual reproduction wordnet
- 5 A copy or imitation of something already existing, especially when designed to simulate it.
"The computer manufacturer produced IBM PC clones in the 1990s."
Show 3 more definitions
- 6 a person who is almost identical to another wordnet
- 7 A person who is exactly like or very similar to another person, in terms of looks or behavior. informal
"Once, on a confident whim, I approached the group of popular girls in an attempt to broaden my circle. Their ringleader took one glance at my new Aeropostale T-shirt and whispered to her clones, “Yeah, Aero's definitely out now.”"
- 8 A Castro clone. slang
"Some of me is clone, but a good part of me is still disco."
Verb
- 1 To create a clone of. transitive
"The scientists were able to clone a sheep."
- 2 make multiple identical copies of wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"Living in a colony on Titan, Tomas' grandson was a clone of his son, who was a clone of himself, Tomas. They were three generations of clones."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "clone"?
Common synonyms include: chip off the old block, clon, computer based replication, copy, copy, copy file.
How do you use "clone" in a sentence?
Living in a colony on Titan, Tomas' grandson was a clone of his son, who was a clone of himself, Tomas. They were three generations of clones.
How do you pronounce "clone"?
Pronounced /kloʊn/.
Etymology
Coined (in botany) in 1903, based on Ancient Greek κλών (klṓn, “twig”). Figurative use from the 1970s.