First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1double
adjective dou·ble \ˈdə-bəl\
: made of two parts that are similar or exactly the same
: having two very different parts or qualities
: of a size that is twice as big as usual : of an amount that is twice as much as usual
Full Definition of DOUBLE
1
: having a twofold relation or character : dual
2
: consisting of two usually combined members or parts <an egg with a double yolk>
3
a : being twice as great or as many <double the number of expected applicants> b of a coin : worth two of the specified amount <a double eagle> <a double crown>
4
: marked by duplicity : deceitful
5
: folded in two
6
: of extra size, strength, or value <a double martini>
7
: having more than the normal number of floral leaves often at the expense of the sporophylls
8
of rhyme : involving correspondence of two syllables (as in exciting and inviting)
9
: designed for the use of two persons <a double room> <a double bed>
— dou·ble·ness noun
See double defined for English-language learners
See double defined for kids
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Origin of DOUBLE
Related to DOUBLE
- Synonyms
- binary, bipartite, double-barreled, double-edged, dual, duplex, twin, twofold
- Antonyms
- single
2double
verb
: to cause (something) to become two times as great or as many
: to become two times as great or as many
: to have a second job or use
dou·bleddou·bling \ˈdə-b(ə-)liŋ\
Full Definition of DOUBLE
transitive verb
1
: to make twice as great or as many: as a : to increase by adding an equal amount b : to amount to twice the number of c : to make a call in bridge that increases the value of odd tricks or undertricks at (an opponent's bid)
2
a : to bend or fold (as a sheet of paper) usually in the middle so that one part lies directly against the other part b : clench <doubled his fist> c : to cause to stoop
4
a : to replace in a dramatic role b : to play (dramatic roles) by doubling
5
a (1) : to advance or score (a base runner) by a double (2) : to bring about the scoring of (a run) by a double b : to put out (a base runner) in completing a double play
intransitive verb
1
a : to become twice as much or as many b : to double a bid (as in bridge)
2
a : to turn sharply and suddenly; especially : to turn back on one's course <the rabbit doubled back on its tracks> b : to follow a circuitous course
3
: to become bent or folded usually in the middle —usually used with up <she doubled up in pain>
4
a : to serve an additional purpose or perform an additional duty b : to play a dramatic role as a double
5
: to make a double in baseball
— dou·bler \-b(ə-)lər\ noun
See double defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of DOUBLE
13th century
3double
adverb
: two times as many or as much
: two times
Full Definition of DOUBLE
1
: to twice the extent or amount
2
: two together <the children had to sleep double>
3
: downward and forward from the usual position <he was bent double with pain>
See double defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of DOUBLE
14th century
4double
noun
: something that is two times the usual size, strength, or amount
: someone who looks very much like another person
: a person who looks like an actor and takes the actor's place in some scenes in a movie or TV show
Full Definition of DOUBLE
1
: something twice the usual size, strength, speed, quantity, or value: as a : a double amount b : a base hit that enables the batter to reach second base
2
: one that is the counterpart of another : duplicate: as a : a living person that closely resembles another living person b : wraith c (1) : understudy (2) : one who resembles an actor and takes his or her place especially in scenes calling for special skills (3) : an actor who plays more than one role in a production
3
a : a sharp turn (as in running) : reversal b : an evasive shift
4
: something consisting of two paired members: as a : fold b : a combined bet placed on two different contests c : two consecutive strikes in bowling
5
plural : a game between two pairs of players
6
: an act of doubling in a card game
7
: a room (as in a hotel) for two guests — compare single 4
— on the double
: very quickly : right away
See double defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of DOUBLE
14th century
Related to DOUBLE
- Synonyms
- alter ego, carbon, carbon copy, clone, counterpart, doppelgänger (or doppelganger), image, duplicate, duplication, facsimile, fetch, likeness, look-alike, match, mirror image, picture, replica, ringer, spit, spitting image, twin
ON THE DOUBLE Defined for Kids
1double
adjective dou·ble \ˈdə-bəl\
Definition of DOUBLE for Kids
1
: being twice as great or as many <I made a double batch of cookies.>
2
: made up of two parts or members <This egg has a double yolk.>
3
: having two very different aspects <She serves a double role as teacher and friend.>
4
: made for two <a double bed>
5
: extra large in size or amount <double roses>
2double
verb
dou·bleddou·bling
Definition of DOUBLE for Kids
1
: to make or become twice as great or as many : multiply by two <You'll need to double the recipe.>
2
: to fold usually in the middle <Double your paper.>
3
: to bend over at the waist <He doubled over in laughter.>
4
: clench 2 <I doubled my fist.>
5
: to turn sharply and go back over the same path <The squirrel doubled back instead of crossing the street.>
6
: to have another use or job <The table doubled as his desk.>
3double
adverb
Definition of DOUBLE for Kids
1
: two times the amount <The last test question counts double.>
2
: two together <You'll have to sleep double.>
4double
noun
Definition of DOUBLE for Kids
1
: something that is twice the usual size or amount <The waiter charged me double.>
2
: a hit in baseball that allows the batter to reach second base
3
: someone or something that is very like another <You're a double for your sister.>
— on the double
: very quickly
Learn More About DOUBLE
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