couple

A2 · Elementary Countable noun

n. two things of the same type that are seen or used together.

n. two similar or identical things considered as a single unit or pair.

“I found a couple of old coins at the bottom of my bag.”

“The architect placed a couple of stone pillars at the entrance to provide structural support and aesthetic balance.”

A2 · Elementary Countable noun Informal

n. a few things; usually more than two but not many.

n. an indefinite small number of people or things; often used with 'of'.

“We should be finished with the project in a couple of days.”

“Although the initial results were promising, it took a couple of months for the researchers to verify the data across all test groups.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Science Technical

n. two equal forces acting in opposite directions that cause something to turn.

n. a pair of equal and parallel forces acting in opposite directions, tending to cause rotation.

“The mechanic applied a couple to the wrench to loosen the tight bolt.”

“The magnitude of the couple is calculated by multiplying the force by the perpendicular distance between the two lines of action.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to connect or link two things together.

v. to join or link two things together, often mechanically or conceptually.

“The technician had to couple the trailer to the back of the truck.”

“The software is designed to couple real-time data with historical trends to provide more accurate financial forecasts.”

C1 · Advanced Formal · Technical

v. to join together for sex, usually said of animals.

v. to engage in sexual intercourse or to bring animals together for the purpose of breeding.

Español:acoplar

“The birds usually couple in the early spring to start their nests.”

“The researchers observed the species as they began to couple, noting the specific environmental triggers that initiated the mating ritual.”

B1 · Intermediate Informal · American English

det. two or a small number of something.

det. used as a determiner to indicate a small indefinite number; often used without 'of' in casual speech.

“I just need a couple more minutes to finish my coffee.”

“He spent a couple hours browsing the bookstore before deciding which novel to purchase for his flight.”