knockoff

or knock-off

[ nok-awf, -of ]

noun

1. an act or instance of knocking off.
2. an unlicensed copy of something, especially fashion clothing, intended to be sold at a lower price than the original.

Word History and Origins

Origin of knockoff¹

First recorded in 1870–75, for an earlier sense; noun use of verb phrase knock off

Example Sentences

They reject straightforward representation in their theatrical design, creating surreal universes of their own rather than adding to the store of knockoffs of the known world.

From Los Angeles Times

You might leave the Fountain Theatre, as I did, wondering what the point could be of an inferior knockoff when the original is available to rent online.

From Los Angeles Times

The knockoffs bear little resemblance to the city’s actual parking citations.

From Los Angeles Times

The Neil Patrick Harris years set an imposing bar for Tony broadcast opening numbers, and this year’s attempt, a strained variety-show knockoff that prematurely promised “this party’s for you,” didn’t end the drought.

From New York Times

A delirious, pulpy mishmash of knockoffs, “The Scargiver” isn’t good, but it sure is something.

From New York Times

Related Words

• copy
• duplicate
• facsimile
• imitation
• replica
• reproduction