# double

/ˈdəbəɫ/ (US) · /dˈʌbəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/double
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. twice the amount

adjective · CEFR A2

twice as much or as many as usual.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. having two parts

adjective · CEFR A2

made of two matching parts or designed for two people.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. to multiply by two

verb · CEFR B1

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

For teachers: 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.

### 4. to serve two purposes

verb · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 5. a lookalike

noun · CEFR B2

someone who looks exactly like another person.

For teachers: 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.

### 6. a drink

noun · CEFR B1 · Informal

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

For teachers: 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.

### 7. sports/games

noun · CEFR B2

winning two important competitions in the same year.

For teachers: 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.

### 8. two together

adverb · CEFR B1

with two people or things together.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- I would like a double room, please.
- The recipe calls for a double portion of sugar for an extra sweet cake.
- He led a double life, maintaining a family in the city while secretly working as a government agent abroad.

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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.