1 A2 neutral
To write out something exactly as you see or hear it, usually from a board, book, or spoken source.
"Please copy down the homework assignment from the board before the bell rings."
separable
copy down
A2 neutral separable transitive
To write something down exactly as it appears or is said, reproducing it from a source.
In plain English
To write something down from what you see or hear.
What does "copy down" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To copy something down onto paper.
Actually means
To write something down from what you see or hear.
Usage tip
Very common in educational contexts. Often refers to students writing from a board or a teacher's dictation. Natural in both British and American English. Very similar to 'copy out' but 'copy down' more commonly implies quickly noting something from a source.
Words that pair with "copy down"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
address number notes instructions board homework
How to conjugate "copy down"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
copy down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
copies down
he/she/it
Past simple
copied down
yesterday
Past participle
copied down
have + pp
-ing form
copying down
continuous
Hear "copy down" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "copy down" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "copy down"
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Keep exploring
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