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

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

The Russians also ran an effective “doppelganger” network of websites that mimicked legitimate American news outlets like the Washington Post but published fake news to undermine confidence in elections and increase polarization.

From Los Angeles Times