What does quintuplicate mean?
Quintuplicate describes something that has five identical parts or copies, and it can also function as a noun for one such copy or a five-part set. As a verb, it means to make five copies or multiply a quantity by five. Its most familiar use is in formal and administrative contexts: instructions may ask for a document “in quintuplicate,” meaning that five matching copies are required. This expression is especially associated with contracts, forms, certificates, and legal paperwork. The word is formal, precise, and somewhat old-fashioned; “five copies” is usually clearer in everyday speech. It should not be confused with “quintuple,” which often denotes a fivefold amount, or with “quintuplet,” commonly used for five babies born at one birth. Although uncommon in casual writing, quintuplicate is useful when the exact number and duplication of documents matter.
Consisting of five identical parts, members, or copies; fivefold.
"The application must be submitted in quintuplicate."
Common in formal instructions, especially when documents must be supplied in five matching copies.
One of five identical copies, or collectively, a set of five such copies.
"Each party received a quintuplicate of the contract."
The plural quintuplicates can also be read as a form of the verb, depending on context.
To make five identical copies of something or increase a quantity to five times its original amount.
"The clerk quintuplicated the form and sent a copy to each department."
The copying sense is more characteristic of formal and legal usage.
The plural is used for multiple sets or copies and commonly appears in the expression “in quintuplicate.”
"The originals and quintuplicates were filed separately."
Five babies born at once are quintuplets; five matching documents are in quintuplicate.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does quintuplicate come from?
The word derives from Latin quintuplicatus, meaning “multiplied fivefold,” formed from quinque, “five,” and duplicare, “to double.” It entered English as formal and legal vocabulary during the early modern period. English quintuple, quintuplet, and quintuplication are later formations developed from the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How quintuplicate is actually used
The word is formal, precise, and somewhat old-fashioned, especially in administrative, legal, and archival contexts. British and American pronunciation varies slightly; the initial consonant of the stressed syllable may be pronounced /j/ or /t/. In ordinary speech, “five copies” is often clearer.
Easily confused with quintuplicate
Quintuplicate emphasizes five identical parts or copies, while quintuple more commonly denotes a quantity multiplied by five.
A quintuplet is commonly one of five babies born at a single birth, whereas a quintuplicate is one of five matching copies or objects.