English Reference

Word

double

Phoneticsdou·ble, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈdəbəɫ/

UK/dˈʌbəl/

Definitions

01twice the amount

A2 · Elementary

adj. twice as much or as many as usual.

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

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

“The company reported double the expected profits after the new product line became an overnight success.”

Synonyms

Antonyms

02having two parts

A2 · Elementary

adj. made of two matching parts or designed for two people.

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

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

“The house features double doors at the entrance, creating a grander aesthetic than a standard single-width frame.”

Synonyms

Antonyms

03to multiply by two

B1 · Intermediate

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

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

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

“The investor hoped to double her initial capital within five years by focusing on high-growth technology stocks.”

Synonyms

Antonyms

04to serve two purposes

B2 · Upper Intermediate

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

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

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

“During the off-season, the coastal resort doubles as a training centre for professional athletes seeking a quiet environment.”

Synonyms

05a lookalike

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. someone who looks exactly like another person.

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

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

“The actor used a stunt double for the dangerous scene involving the high-speed motorcycle chase.”

Synonyms

lookalikedoppelganger

06a drink

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Informal

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

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

“He asked the bartender for a double gin and tonic.”

“After a long and stressful flight, he decided to order a double at the hotel bar before heading to his room.”

Antonyms

07sports/games

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Sports

n. winning two important competitions in the same year.

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

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

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

08two together

B1 · Intermediate

adv. with two people or things together.

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

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

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

Synonyms

Antonyms

Real-World Examples

“Doubling a batch of rice? You can't just double the water.”
The Washington Post 21 Sept 2026
“Clicking the dropdown menu for the scaling feature allows you to select from options to halve or double a recipe (or restore it to the original).”
New Edge Times 20 Jan 2026
“The sudden doubling of genetic material can disrupt delicate cellular machinery, and many polyploid offspring are inviable or sterile.”
ScientiaMag 2 Sept 2026

Etymology

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

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

ADJECTIVE

double(A2)

Related words

Idioms

Domains

MilitaryMusicNauticalProgrammingSportsTheater

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
Frequency
Very common
Level
A2 · ElementaryOxford
Updated

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English Reference