deep copy

noun

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

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

Opposite
shallow copy
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Meanings

noundeep copy (plural deep copies)

plural deep copies · alternative deep-copy

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

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

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

present singular third person deep copies · participle present deep copying · participle past deep copied · past deep copied · alternative deep-copy

  1. transitiveTo make a deep copy of.

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

  2. intransitiveTo make a deep copy.

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

Synonyms & antonyms

Opposite
shallow copy
Cite this entry
APA

deep copy. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 2, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/deep%20copy

MLA

“deep copy.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/deep%20copy. Accessed November 2, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “deep copy,” accessed November 2, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/deep%20copy.

Source: deep copy on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.