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double

adj. · v. · n. · adv.
US //ˈdəbəɫ// UK //dˈʌbəl// dou·ble
  1. 1 twice the amount (adj.)
    A2 Elementary

    twice as much or as many as usual.

    denoting twice the quantity, size, or value of a standard unit.

    Example

    I ordered a double espresso because I was feeling very tired.

    Example

    The company reported double the expected profits after the new product line became an overnight success.
  2. 2 having two parts (adj.)
    A2 Elementary

    made of two matching parts or designed for two people.

    composed of two identical or complementary elements; designed for use by two individuals.

    Example

    We booked a double room for our weekend trip to the city.

    Example

    The house features double doors at the entrance, creating a grander aesthetic than a standard single-width frame.
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  1. 3 to multiply by two (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to become twice as big or to make something twice as big.

    to increase twofold in quantity or size; to multiply a value by two.

    Example

    The population of the small town doubled in just ten years.

    Example

    The investor hoped to double her initial capital within five years by focusing on high-growth technology stocks.
    • halve
  2. 4 to serve two purposes (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to have a second use or job in addition to the main one.

    to serve an additional purpose or function beyond the primary one; often used with 'as'.

    Example

    This sofa doubles as a bed when we have guests staying over.

    Example

    During the off-season, the coastal resort doubles as a training centre for professional athletes seeking a quiet environment.
  3. 5 a lookalike (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    someone who looks exactly like another person.

    a person who bears a striking physical resemblance to another, sometimes acting as a substitute.

    Example

    I saw a man today who was a perfect double for my brother.

    Example

    The actor used a stunt double for the dangerous scene involving the high-speed motorcycle chase.
    • lookalike
    • doppelganger
  4. 6 a drink (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal

    a drink that has two shots of alcohol instead of one.

    a serving of spirits containing twice the standard measure of alcohol.

    Example

    He asked the bartender for a double gin and tonic.

    Example

    After a long and stressful flight, he decided to order a double at the hotel bar before heading to his room.
  5. 7 sports/games (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Sport

    winning two important competitions in the same year.

    the achievement of winning two major trophies or events in a single season or meeting.

    Example

    The team won the double by taking both the league title and the cup.

    Example

    Winning the double remains the ultimate ambition for most top-tier European football clubs.

  6. 8 two together (adv.)
    B1 Intermediate

    with two people or things together.

    in a pair or twofold manner; often used in the phrase 'to see double'.

    Example

    After the hit to his head, he started seeing double.

    Example

    The soldiers were ordered to march double-quick to reach the border before nightfall.
Origin

PIE word *dwóh₁ From Middle English double, from Old French doble, double, from Latin duplus (“twofold”). Doublet of doppio and duple.

Idioms7 entries

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