doppelgänger

or Doppelgänger

[ dop-uhl-gang-er; German daw-puhl-geng-er ]

noun

1. a ghostly double or counterpart of a living person.

doppelgänger

/ ˈdɒpəlˌɡɛŋə; ˈdɔpəlˌɡɛŋər /

noun

1. legend a ghostly duplicate of a living person

Word History and Origins

Origin of doppelgänger¹

First recorded in 1850–55; from German: literally, “double-walker,” from doppel double ( def ) + Gänger “walker” (from Gang “motion, way” + -er -er ¹( def ); gang ¹( def ) )

Word History and Origins

Origin of doppelgänger¹

from German Doppelgänger, literally: double-goer

Example Sentences

The contest took place on Saturday in Birmingham city centre and follows the craze of celebrity doppelganger competitions currently sweeping the globe.

From BBC

Since becoming the doppelganger of daytime talk show therapist Dr. Phil McGraw, he’s actually never felt better.

From Los Angeles Times

It appears the celebrity doppelganger craze is not yet over, with Saturday's event just the latest in a string of competitions across the country.

From BBC

There is something quite bold about telling people you look like someone famous - especially if your supposed doppelganger is one of the world’s biggest heartthrobs.

From BBC

The opening track, “Gemini,” is a vivid but fretful tale of modern malaise and a doppelgänger who gives Heynderickx refreshing perspective.

From New York Times