1 cop | Definition of cop

cop

noun (1)
\ ˈkäp How to pronounce cop (audio) \

Definition of cop

 (Entry 1 of 4)

cop

verb
copped; copping

Definition of cop (Entry 2 of 4)

transitive verb

1 slang : to get hold of : catch, capture also : purchase
2 slang : steal, swipe
3 : adopt sense 2 cop an attitude

intransitive verb

slang : admit sense 2b used with to these small-timers would … cop to the smallest offense their attorney could negotiate— Tom Clancy
cop a plea
: to plead guilty to a lesser charge in order to avoid standing trial for a more serious one broadly : to admit fault and plead for mercy

cop

noun (2)

Definition of cop (Entry 3 of 4)

1 dialectal, chiefly England : top, crest
2 : a cylindrical or conical mass of thread, yarn, or roving wound on a quill or tube also : a quill or tube upon which it is wound

Definition of cop (Entry 4 of 4)

1 copper
2 copulative
3 copy
4 copyright

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Synonyms for cop

Synonyms: Verb

buy, pick up, purchase, take

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Examples of cop in a Sentence

Verb

I managed to cop an invitation. He copped the idea from me. They expected me to cop all the blame! He copped the full force of the blow.
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First Known Use of cop

Noun (1)

1859, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1704, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun (2)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for cop

Noun (1)

short for copper entry 3

Verb

perhaps from Dutch kapen to steal, from Frisian kāpia to buy; akin to Old High German kouf trade — more at cheap entry 3

Noun (2)

Middle English, from Old English copp

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More Definitions for cop

cop

verb

English Language Learners Definition of cop

US, informal : to get (something desirable)
US, informal : to steal or take (something) from someone
chiefly British, informal : to receive (something undesirable)

cop

noun
\ ˈkäp How to pronounce cop (audio) \

Kids Definition of cop

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More from Merriam-Webster on cop

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with cop

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for cop

Spanish Central: Translation of cop

Nglish: Translation of cop for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of cop for Arabic Speakers