# double up

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/double-up
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. to share a space or resource

phrasal verb · CEFR B2

to share a room, bed, or other resource with another person because there is not enough for everyone.

For teachers: to share a space, facility, or resource with another person, typically due to a shortage of supply.

- The hotel was so full that some of the students had to double up in the smaller rooms.
- Due to the unexpected influx of delegates, the organisers requested that junior staff double up in twin rooms to accommodate the keynote speakers.

Usage: Intransitive; often followed by 'in' or 'with'.

### 2. to have a second use

phrasal verb · CEFR B2

to serve two different purposes at the same time.

For teachers: to function in a secondary capacity or serve a dual purpose.

- This sofa can double up as a guest bed when we have visitors staying over.
- The community centre doubles up as an emergency shelter during the hurricane season, providing essential services to displaced residents.

Usage: Usually followed by 'as'.

### 3. to bend over in pain or laughter

phrasal verb · CEFR B2

to bend your body forward suddenly because you are laughing very hard or are in great pain.

For teachers: to bend the body over involuntarily, typically as a physiological response to acute pain or uncontrollable laughter.

- The joke was so funny that everyone in the room doubled up with laughter.
- He suddenly doubled up in pain, clutching his stomach and signaling for someone to call a doctor immediately.

Usage: Intransitive; often followed by 'with' (for laughter) or 'in' (for pain).

### 5. to increase the amount

phrasal verb · CEFR B2

to use or provide twice the usual amount of something.

For teachers: to increase a quantity, dosage, or amount by a factor of two.

- If the sauce is too thin, you might need to double up on the flour.
- The doctor advised the patient not to double up on the medication if they missed a dose, as it could be dangerous.

Usage: Often followed by the preposition 'on'.

## Examples

- We don't have enough books, so please double up with a partner.
- The hotel was fully booked, so the two colleagues had to double up in a twin room.
- As the refugee numbers swelled, families were forced to double up in small apartments originally designed for single occupants.

## Usage notes

- Teaching tip: contrast with 'pair up' which focuses on working together; 'double up' focuses on the lack of resources or space.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.