cloning: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, Technical, Academic
Quick answer
What does “cloning” mean?
The process of producing a genetically identical copy of an organism or cell.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The process of producing a genetically identical copy of an organism or cell.
Any process of replicating or making an exact copy of something, including digital or conceptual copying.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major lexical differences; spelling and pronunciation consistent.
Connotations
Identical scientific and ethical connotations in both dialects.
Frequency
Equally common in scientific/technical contexts; slightly more frequent in US media discussions of bioethics.
Grammar
How to Use “cloning” in a Sentence
[verb] + cloning (e.g., 'oppose cloning')cloning + [noun] (e.g., 'cloning procedure')cloning + of + [noun] (e.g., 'cloning of mammals')Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cloning” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They are researching how to clone extinct species from preserved tissue.
- The lab successfully cloned the champion racehorse.
American English
- Scientists cloned the first primate from embryonic cells.
- You can clone your hard drive with this software.
adverb
British English
- The cells were reproduced cloningly, resulting in identical lines. (Rare/technical)
American English
- The software operates cloningly to create perfect replicas. (Rare/technical)
adjective
British English
- The cloning legislation was debated in Parliament.
- They used a cloning technique developed in Edinburgh.
American English
- The cloning bill faced strong opposition in the Senate.
- It was a groundbreaking cloning experiment.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
'The company was accused of cloning its competitor's popular product design.'
Academic
'The paper reviews recent advances in somatic cell nuclear transfer cloning.'
Everyday
'She made a cloning of her house key for her neighbour.' (figurative, informal)
Technical
'The vector was used for molecular cloning of the target gene sequence.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cloning”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cloning”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cloning”
- Pronouncing it as /klɒnɪŋ/ (incorrect vowel).
- Using 'clone' (noun) when 'cloning' (gerund/process noun) is needed: 'The clone of the animal' vs. 'The cloning of the animal'.
- Misspelling as 'clowning'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While its core meaning is biological, it is widely used in computing (e.g., cloning a hard drive) and metaphorically for copying anything exactly.
'Cloning' implies creating an exact, identical replica, often at a fundamental or structural level. 'Copying' is more general and can be less precise.
Yes. Dolly, born in 1996, was the first mammal cloned from an adult somatic cell using nuclear transfer, making her a famous example of reproductive cloning.
Yes. The verb is 'to clone'. 'Cloning' is the present participle or gerund (e.g., 'They are cloning the gene').
The process of producing a genetically identical copy of an organism or cell.
Cloning is usually formal, technical, academic in register.
Cloning: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkləʊnɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkloʊnɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A clone of (figurative: an exact copy)”
- “Cloning around (playful pun, rare)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'clone' + 'ing' – the act of making a 'clone', like Dolly the sheep.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE/IDEAS ARE OBJECTS THAT CAN BE COPIED.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most common technical context for 'cloning'?