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Synonyms

identical twin

American  

noun

  1. one of a pair of twins who develop from a single fertilized ovum and therefore have the same genotype, are of the same sex, and usually resemble each other closely.


Etymology

Origin of identical twin

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

A woman given six months to live after her leukaemia returned says the thought of leaving her identical twin sister alone is "unthinkable".

From BBC Jun. 9, 2026

Brendon has an identical twin brother named Kelly Donovan, who appeared as his stand-in and double in episodes of “Buffy.”

From Los Angeles Times Mar. 21, 2026

Elliott meets, and is attracted to, Joey’s identical twin brother, the gay Jack, a successful businessman who explains that Joey has suffered serious psychological problems.

From The Wall Street Journal Feb. 13, 2026

Studies have pegged the identical twin concurrence rate anywhere from 60% to 90%, though the intensity of the twins’ autistic traits may differ significantly.

From Los Angeles Times Dec. 11, 2025

And I still haven't told him about my e-mail relationship with my secret admirer, who may or may not be his identical twin brother, who is also the one who stood me up.

From "From Twinkle, with Love" by Sandhya Menon

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