ENGLISH
REFERENCE

couple

n. · v. · det.
US //ˈkəpəɫ// UK //kˈʌpəl// cou·ple
  1. 1 romantic partners (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    two people who are in a romantic relationship or married.

    two individuals involved in a romantic or sexual relationship, or a married pair.

    Example

    The young couple walked through the park holding hands.

    Example

    The newly married couple decided to relocate to the coast, seeking a quieter lifestyle away from the city's constant noise.
  2. 2 two of a kind (n.)
    A2 Elementary

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The architect placed a couple of stone pillars at the entrance to provide structural support and aesthetic balance.
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  1. 3 a small number (n.)
    A2 Elementary Informal

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    Although the initial results were promising, it took a couple of months for the researchers to verify the data across all test groups.
    Pitfall
    I will be there in couple minutes.
    I will be there in a couple of minutes.

    In standard English, 'couple' usually requires 'a' before it and 'of' after it when followed by a noun.

  2. 4 physics/mechanics (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Science

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The magnitude of the couple is calculated by multiplying the force by the perpendicular distance between the two lines of action.
  3. 5 to join together (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to connect or link two things together.

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The software is designed to couple real-time data with historical trends to provide more accurate financial forecasts.
  4. 6 to mate (v.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Technical

    to join together for sex, usually said of animals.

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The researchers observed the species as they began to couple, noting the specific environmental triggers that initiated the mating ritual.
  5. 7 a few (det.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal American English

    two or a small number of something.

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

    Example

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

    Example

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

    Usage

    In informal American English, 'of' is often omitted (e.g., 'a couple weeks').
Origin

From Middle English couple, from Old French couple, from Latin cōpula. Doublet of copula.

Word family

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