Word.ws English Dictionary

master copy

master copy noun: the copy that acts as the main or original version among several copies, such as the master proof where changes from other author copies are combined, or a similar master manuscript with edits transferred to it.

Noun

master copy (plural master copies)

  1. The copy that acts as the main or original version among several copies, such as the master proof where changes from other author copies are combined, or a similar master manuscript with edits transferred to it.
  2. An original copy of a document, digital file, stencil, or other item that acts as the main version used to create all other copies, such as photocopies, printouts, or duplicates made by various methods.
    Synonyms:
    original
  3. (fine arts) A copy of a famous artwork made for purposes such as practice, enjoyment, respect, or imitation.

Verb

master copy (third-person singular simple present master copies, present participle master copying, simple past and past participle master copied)

  1. (intransitive, transitive) To transfer edits to a master copy from various stakeholders' copies (as for example with multiple authors and editors).
  2. (intransitive, transitive, fine arts) To make a copy of a masterpiece.

Synonyms of master copy

Forms of master copy

Noun
pluralmaster copies
alternative formmastercopy
Verb
third-person singular presentmaster copies
present participlemaster copying
past participlemaster copied
pastmaster copied

Words formed from master copy

Questions about master copy

What does master copy mean?
Master copy means the copy that acts as the main or original version among several copies, such as the master proof where changes from other author copies are combined, or a similar master manuscript with edits transferred to it.
What part of speech is master copy?
Master copy can be a noun or a verb.
What is the plural of master copy?
The plural of master copy is master copies.

Words near master copy in the dictionary

  1. master classes
  2. master clock
  3. master clocks
  4. master copied
  5. master copies
  6. master copy
  7. master copying
  8. master craftsman
  9. Master Cube
  10. Master Cubes
  11. master cylinder

Source and license

Adapted from Wiktionary: master copy (page history and authors). Text available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license. Word.ws reformatted the entry and added links. Wiktionary data of 2026-09-02.

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Cite this entry: “master copy.” Word.ws, https://word.ws/master_copy. Based on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.