copyleft

[ kop-ee-left ]

noun

1. the right to freely use, modify, copy, and share software, works of art, etc., on the condition that these rights be granted to all subsequent users or owners.

verb (used with object)

1. to secure copyleft for (software, works of art, etc.)

Word History and Origins

Origin of copyleft¹

First recorded in 1960–65; modeled on copyright ( def )

Example Sentences

See, now you sound like a copyleft person.

From The Verge

You’ll hear us say “copyright maximalist,” which is the idea that copyright should cover a lot of things and rights holders should have a lot of power over how their work is used, and “copyleft,” which is the idea that people should be able to use and modify works more freely for the public good.

From The Verge

You’re coming from that copyleft, where everything wants to be free.

From The Verge

Videos that fall into the Public Domain, Creative Commons and CopyLeft are fair game for downloading, though you could still be violating YouTube’s Terms of Service.

From Fox News

Videos that fall into the Public Domain, Creative Commons, and CopyLeft are fair game for downloading.

From Fox News