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pair

n. · v.
US //ˈpɛɹ// UK //pˈeə// pair
  1. 1 two matching items (n.)
    A1 Beginner

    two things of the same kind that are used together.

    two identical or similar things intended to be used together or regarded as a single unit.

    Example

    I can't find a matching pair of socks in this drawer.

    Example

    She purchased an expensive pair of leather boots, hoping they would withstand the harsh winter conditions during her commute.
    Pitfall
    I need a new pair of sock.
    I need a new pair of socks.

    The noun following 'pair of' must be plural because it refers to two items.

  2. 2 single item with two parts (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    one object that is made of two parts joined together, like glasses or trousers.

    a single article consisting of two joined, symmetrical parts; used with plural-only nouns.

    Example

    You will need a sharp pair of scissors to cut that thick paper.

    Example

    He misplaced his only pair of spectacles, making it nearly impossible to read the fine print on the legal documents.

    Usage

    Always used with 'of' followed by a plural noun, such as 'a pair of scissors' or 'a pair of jeans'.

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  1. 3 two people (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    two people who are seen together, often because they are in a relationship or working together.

    two individuals associated through a romantic relationship, partnership, or shared activity.

    Example

    The young pair walked hand in hand through the park.

    Example

    The police are looking for a pair of suspects seen fleeing the gallery shortly after the alarm was triggered.
  2. 4 poker hand (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    two cards that have the same number or rank.

    a hand containing two cards of the same value.

    Example

    He had a pair of aces, so he decided to bet more money.

    Example

    Despite holding a high pair, she folded when the third heart appeared on the board, fearing her opponent had a flush.

  3. 5 to group together (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to put two people or things together to work as a team.

    to arrange or group individuals or objects into sets of two.

    Example

    The teacher will pair each student with a partner for the project.

    Example

    The algorithm is designed to pair mentors with students based on their shared professional interests and geographic proximity.
  4. 6 to connect electronics (v.)
    B1 Intermediate Computing

    to connect two electronic devices, like your phone and your car, using Bluetooth.

    to establish a wireless connection between two electronic devices.

    Example

    You need to pair your phone with the speakers before you can play music.

    Example

    The system failed to pair with the wireless headset, likely due to a firmware incompatibility between the two devices.
  5. 7 to match food/drink (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Cooking

    to choose a food and a drink that taste good together.

    to select a specific food and beverage combination to enhance their respective flavours.

    Example

    The waiter suggested we pair the white wine with the fish.

    Example

    The sommelier recommended pairing the spicy vintage with a robust blue cheese to balance the wine's high acidity.
Etymology 1

From Middle English paire, from Old French paire, from Latin paria (“equals”), neuter plural of par (“pair”). Related to pār (“equal”, adjective). Compare Saterland Frisian Poor (“pair”), West Frisian pear (“pair”), Dutch paar (“pair”), German Paar (“pair”), Italian paio (“pair”)

Etymology 2

From Middle English pairen, peiren, shortened form of apeiren, empeiren, from Old French empeirier, empoirier, from Late Latin peiōrō.

Idioms7 entries

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